Accusations of Regional Neglect and Calls for Equitable Resource Distribution
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, has raised concerns about the perceived neglect of the North by the current administration. During a stakeholders’ dialogue held in Kano, he criticized the federal government for concentrating resources on the Southern region, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hails from.
The event, organized by the Kano State government, aimed to present the state’s position on proposed 2025 constitution amendment proposals before the National Assembly. Attendees included Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, emirs, heads of ministries, members of the national and state assemblies, civil society organizations, and pressure groups.
Kwankwaso accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of lopsided resource allocation between the South and the North. He emphasized that most of the national budget is now tilted toward the South, leading to underdevelopment in the North. He highlighted that issues such as insecurity and poverty are linked to the lack of sufficient resources and mismanagement.
He pointed out that roads in the North are in deplorable condition, while the APC-led government continues to allocate significant funds to infrastructure projects in the South. Kwankwaso recounted his recent travel experience from Abuja to Kano, describing the road conditions as terrible. He argued that it is unjust for the government to take resources from one part of the country and invest them in another without considering the needs of all regions.
Kwankwaso urged the Tinubu administration to ensure equitable distribution of resources for the development of all parts of the country. He called for a change in the government’s approach to convince people that it is not biased toward one region.
Lack of Response from the Presidency
Efforts to get a response from the presidency regarding Kwankwaso’s allegations were unsuccessful. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and the Special Adviser on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, could not be reached on their mobile lines. They also did not reply to WhatsApp messages sent to them.
According to reports, there are 13 major projects underway under the Tinubu administration, with eight located in the South. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Benin-Asaba Superhighway, and others. In contrast, five key projects are in the North, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
Kwankwaso further alleged that the rich have compromised members of the National Assembly. He claimed that wealthy individuals spend considerable amounts to influence assembly representatives, resulting in an unfair distribution of the national budget. He stressed that Nigeria’s challenges, particularly in the North, stem from poor resource management at both federal and state levels.
He viewed the constitution amendment exercise as an opportunity to correct these imbalances and prevent the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy. Kwankwaso also addressed the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan participation and informed voter choices.
Kano Constitution Review Committee’s Position
During the dialogue, the Kano State Constitution Amendment Review Committee outlined its demands and recommendations. It called for a more equitable revenue-sharing formula, opposed diaspora voting, and supported independent candidacy. The committee recommended retaining labor on the Exclusive Legislative List to maintain national labor standards and harmony.
It rejected the bill proposing diaspora voting, citing Nigeria’s difficulties in managing local elections as evidence that the country is not yet ready for such an expansion. While supporting independent candidacy, the committee emphasized the need for clear guidelines to ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
On revenue sharing, the committee proposed reducing the federal government’s share from 52.68% to 40%, increasing states’ share from 26.72% to 35%, and local governments from 20.6% to 25%. It also suggested changes to the tax derivation formula and advocated for constitutional empowerment of the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Commission.
Emphasis on Inclusivity and Transparency
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reiterated the importance of an inclusive, transparent, and people-driven constitution amendment process. He called on stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to shaping Nigeria’s future democracy. Yusuf emphasized that the constitution must reflect the realities, aspirations, and values of the people it serves.
He noted that the constitution amendment offers an opportunity to address longstanding concerns, modernize legal frameworks, and plan for the future. Yusuf urged a non-partisan consensus that is inclusive and forward-thinking to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and unity.
Support from Emirs and Community Representatives
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi spoke on behalf of the emirs in Kano, expressing full support for the people’s demands. He stated that the emirs would contact the committee to provide input before the final presentation. Other community representatives, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, business community, women’s groups, and civil society organizations, also shared their perspectives during the event.
The dialogue underscored the importance of addressing regional disparities, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and fostering a more inclusive and transparent political system in Nigeria.
