‘North Ruled For 40 Years Without Result To Show,’ Says Ex-Speaker Dogara

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu or the Southern region is to blame for the North’s challenges. Speaking at a town hall meeting for Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria, Dogara emphasized that the North, despite ruling Nigeria for over 40 years, remained underdeveloped due to poor leadership.

Themed “Church and Society: Tax Reforms and Matters Arising,” the event provided a platform for Dogara to discuss governance and development issues, particularly within the Northern region.

“We are all northerners, and it should be made clear that President Tinubu or the South is not our problem. They have not come to cheat the North. That is out of the question,” Dogara said.

He criticized northern leaders for their failure to utilize opportunities to advance the region, stating:
“We ruled this country for over 40 years when northerners were in power. What did we achieve? The North remains the same, impoverished by our own leaders.”

Dogara also condemned the mismanagement of federal allocations and other resources by northern governors, highlighting their failure to invest in meaningful development:
“We have had so much, but what did our governors do with the resources? They squandered them instead of investing in meaningful development.”

Using the Ajaokuta Steel Industry as an example, Dogara lamented its near-completion during the Shagari administration but criticized its subsequent abandonment.
“The project was almost finished, yet it was left to rot,” he remarked.

Dogara urged northerners to support President Tinubu’s administration and his tax reform bills, currently awaiting approval from the National Assembly, as a potential path to national progress.

“Northerners must look beyond sentiments and rally behind President Tinubu in his efforts to move the country forward,” he said.

The former Speaker called for a reevaluation of leadership in the region, emphasizing the need for accountability and commitment to transformative development.