President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong warning to terrorist and bandit groups operating in Northern Nigeria, reaffirming his administration's determination to restore peace and stability across the region.
No Region Will Be Left to Bleed
Speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, the President declared that no part of Nigeria will be abandoned to violence while his government remains in power. Although represented by House of Representatives Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas, Tinubu's message carried significant weight as he addressed the security challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
The President acknowledged the complexity of the inherited security crisis but emphasized that his resolve to end the menace remains firm and urgent. He described the North as facing one of the most severe tests in its history, characterized by security corrosion, collapse of communal ethics, and distortion of moral values that previously united communities.
Economic Revival Through Oil and Infrastructure
Beyond security concerns, President Tinubu pledged to reverse the long-standing economic decline in Northern Nigeria. He expressed optimism about the region's economic prospects, particularly with the anticipated crude oil production from Kolmani fields and other emerging oil discoveries across the region.
The President highlighted several key infrastructure projects underway, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Superhighway, which he confirmed would be completed and commissioned in Kano within the coming months. Additional road, rail, and river transport projects across the North are being accelerated under his administration.
Unity as Foundation for Progress
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria cannot prosper when a significant portion of the country remains paralyzed by insecurity. He identified Northern stability as essential to national peace and progress, warning that without unity, security initiatives would fail, economic opportunities would disappear, and the region's political influence would diminish.
The President praised the Arewa Consultative Forum for serving as the region's moral compass for 25 years, describing the organization as a reservoir of patriots, thinkers, and moral leaders who have consistently defended Northern interests. He noted that the forum's founding fathers had anticipated periods of national strain and built an institution strong enough to articulate the region's aspirations.
Tinubu emphasized that the North's ultimate triumph would depend on institutional strength rather than powerful individuals. He urged Northern leaders across government, traditional institutions, and civil society to embrace selflessness and moral responsibility, reminding them that privilege comes with accountability.
The President concluded with a call to action, asserting that the North possesses the capacity to reclaim its stability, rebuild its economy, and maintain its position as a central pillar of Nigeria's collective progress, provided that unity and collective responsibility prevail.
