Katsina Governor blames Northern Nigeria’s setbacks on lack of unity, leadership

By Mustapha Salisu

In a recent TV interview, Katsina State Governor, Mal. Umaru Dikko Radda, attributed the setbacks bedevilling Northern Nigeria to lack of unity on the part of both leadership and followers.

Radda said the North needs leadership and respect for elders, and the ability to take a position that is binding on all Northerners.

He cited the example of Southerners and Easterners who practice the mantra of “we rise by lifting others” when they secure an opportunity.

“For instance, if a Yoruba man is opportune to travel abroad for a task and he flourishes, he will invite and introduce his tribesman to the task. Likewise, an Igbo man who establishes a business in the North and equally flourishes, he will invite his tribesman and train him on the same business, and after some certain duration, he will grant him capital to set up his own business. If not, he won’t be able to face his Kinsmen when he goes back to the East,” Radda disclosed.

The Governor lamented that the story is entirely different in Northern Nigeria. “We lack that guide due to the absence of unity and leadership.”

“We are only being used for political gains, and even if there is an insight of development targeted towards the North, some few people amongst us will go against the idea due to their selfish interest and render the region underdeveloped,” he said.

Speaking further on the issue of sabotaging the fight against insecurity in the North, Governor Radda attributed it to not only Northern Nigeria but the nation at large because corruption has infiltrated each and every sector nationwide.

“For instance, if you want a file to reach your target destination within an office, you will need to pay a bribe to facilitate the speedy passage of that file,” Radda lamented.

The Governor however prayed for unity and sustainable leadership in Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.