Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who chairs the Northern States Governors Forum, has reiterated the Northern governors’ commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He made this statement during a two-day interactive session organized by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, which focused on assessing electoral promises and strengthening government-citizen engagement.
During his opening remarks, Governor Yahaya emphasized that the session was an opportunity to critically evaluate the federal government’s performance in relation to the commitments made during the 2023 campaign. He highlighted that the North contributed over 60% of the votes that led to Tinubu’s election.
Yahaya pointed out several key projects currently in progress, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, and the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery. He noted that these initiatives serve as proof of the political alliance’s benefits and demonstrate how citizen engagement combined with leadership commitment can yield effective governance.
The governor also discussed new infrastructure projects such as the proposed Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and improvements in agricultural and healthcare initiatives, reflecting a clear policy focus on enhancing the North’s economic landscape. On security matters, he reported that over 300 bandit and terrorist commanders have been eliminated through improved military coordination.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, he defended these as necessary steps for long-term economic stability. He called on all Northern stakeholders to complement federal efforts with local initiatives in various sectors.
In conclusion, Governor Yahaya urged for a fair assessment of the administration’s performance as the 2027 elections approach, asserting that President Tinubu deserves continued support. He emphasized the importance of unity among regions, particularly between the North and Southwest, referencing the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello. He highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue between the government and citizens to foster a thriving democracy.
The interactive session attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, including civil society representatives and youth leaders, and featured discussions aimed at enhancing participatory governance in the North.
