A group of prominent political leaders from the North emerged yesterday, named the League of Northern Democrats (LND), which said it would convene a strategic summit to revive the region’s political and economic place in Nigeria.
The group, which declared its intention to unite and reposition the North as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape, further revealed that its general concern is the development of Northern Nigeria, stressing that it does not represent the interest of anybody.
The 226-member group, led by former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, as interim chairman, Umar Ardo, as convener, and Hon. Emmanuel Jime as interim secretary, comprises former governors, federal lawmakers, and businessmen.
Besides Shekarau and Ardo, some of the top names in the group include Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, PhD, CON (Wazirin Katsina); Kabir Tafida (Sarki Fadan Sokoto); Falalu Bello; Dr. Jamilu Isyaka Gwamna (Sardauna Gombe); Emmanuel Jime and Mohammed Kumalia.
Others are Malam Salihu Lukman, Amb. Usman Sarki, Engr. Dallaji Noah, Prof. Usman Yusuf, Muktari Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Aminu Shehu Shagari, and Murtala Shehu Yar’adua (Tafidan Katsina), among others.
After a meeting at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, a communique said, “The LND resolved to prioritise the political unity of Northern Nigeria.
“Recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our ranks, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity. This unity will be the foundation for our efforts to reposition the North as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape.”
They also resolved to write to critical stakeholders in Northern Nigeria to garner their support and participation in the movement.
Those to reach out to include: all former Heads of State; all former and serving vice presidents; former Senate presidents; former Speakers of the House of Representatives; former Chief Justices; former Service Chiefs, Inspectors-General of Police, Comptrollers-General of Customs, Immigration, and Prisons; key distinguished elder statesmen, businessmen and employers of labour, trade unions and other relevant entities.
According to the group, the involvement of these stakeholders is crucial to the success of its mission.
The LND resolved to organise a Northern Nigerian Political Summit to be held in Kaduna.
The summit will serve as a platform for discussing the region’s political future, economic development and security challenges. It will bring together key leaders, thinkers and influencers to chart a new course for the North.
According to its communique, “The League of Northern Democrats is firmly committed to improving Northern Nigeria and the nation. The task is immense, but with determination, collaboration and strategic action, we believe we can achieve the transformative changes that the North and Nigeria urgently need. “We look forward to all members’ continued participation and support as we work towards realising our shared vision.”
Responding to questions, Shekarau said the group’s general concern is about development in Northern Nigeria and not anybody’s interest.
He said the members would come up with possible strategies on how to improve communities in the region through general societal reorientation and enlightening the people on what their primary challenges and their basic needs are.
He said they would educate the people on the need for good governance, the growth of the economy and wealth creation, relevance of education, security, and unity.
According to him, an electoral committee will be set up to sensitise elected leaders “so that they will appreciate the aspirations of the people.”
He stated that the main aim of seven committees to be set up would be to produce a document that “we can confront anybody seeking our votes, that these are the aspirations of our people. We want you to assure us that this will be part of your guiding principles.”
He added: “It is a political thought, not about any person or political party, and it is necessarily about 2027. It is an all-time issue. We want to produce a document which is not about a year, two-year, or 10-year issue.”
Speaking on the recent hardship protest, he said, “Government should see the protest against bad governance as a challenge. The speech of the President confirmed this, but we want to see action. And it is not about the federal government. We are talking about the state governments and local government
On his part, Umar Ardo said, “People of like minds from the North that came together to solve the northern problem. We are not worried about the problem of appointments; we are worried about the problems of insecurity, hunger, starvation, poverty, and the economy.
“We are not worried about appointments; appointments will come and go, but the important issue is to resolve this issue conclusively.”
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