Why the north should still be thankful to PBAT – A rejoinder, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
In a meticulous, insightful, and thought-provoking treatise, A. G. Abubakar scrupulously analyses the ascent of PBAT to the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He elucidates the intrigues, innuendos, and tumult that accompanied this emergence, while also imparting invaluable lessons—one might contend—a definitive blueprint for Northerners, if not all Nigerians, to undertake the requisite measures in crafting a resilient strategy to counter our descent into a one-party state. The article, titled “Tinubu, the North, and 2027: The Likely Collapse of an Allegedly Abusive Marriage and Why the North Should Still Be Thankful to Him,”can be contextualized within this framework.
Currently, formidable challenges beset the sustenance of national unity and stability due to a myriad of issues. A decline in socioeconomic and political fortunes has ensued as a consequence of maladministration and suboptimal leadership selections. This is evidenced by the pervasive levels of poverty and stunted economic growth.
Exploiting the vulnerabilities of the North—economic and security dilemmas exacerbated by pervasive poverty, a staggering number of out-of-school children, and the proliferation of insurgencies—serves as a stark testament to governance inadequacies, fostering profound disillusionment among the populace.
Skewed appointments and policies have incited resistance from the North due to perceived marginalization, while the ongoing reforms, influenced by IMF/World Bank strategies, are likely to impede progress amid prevailing socioeconomic adversities, engendering discontent among diverse stakeholders.
The waning support stemming from perceived neglect and deteriorating conditions, alongside the pursuit of alternative alliances from the South to counterbalance potential losses, is nurturing a high-stakes political environment, one that necessitates counterbalancing if any reasonable progress is to be achieved.
READ ALSO: Heading for Golgotha: A reflection on Nigeria’s plight, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
The shift in allegiances underscores the fluidity of Nigerian politics and the paramount importance of strategic partnerships among the opposition elements.
The sanguine portrayal presented by the government starkly contrasts with the grim realities faced by Nigerians. The reliance on oil revenues, coupled with flawed reform strategies, has precipitated escalating poverty levels in Nigeria, particularly in rural locales, where essential amenities are conspicuously absent.
Consequently, there exists an imperative for the North to prioritize human capital development, security enhancements, and judicious resource management, particularly in sectors such as solid minerals, education, and private security enterprises. Investments in these domains can catalyze long-term sustainable growth and address urgent societal needs.
The necessity for dialogue and restructuring is vital to remedying Nigeria’s structural deficiencies and internal contradictions, thereby averting a potential collapse; we should no longer fear bringing everything to the table for discussion. It is imperative for stakeholders to engage in constructive discourse to prevent national disintegration and cultivate a more inclusive and equitable society.
By employing a well-conceived strategic engagement, Nigeria can extricate itself from this quagmire. It is time to transcend the paralysis of analysis and the ensuing intra- and inter-regional blame games. The moment for dialogue concerning the future is upon us to avert deleterious consequences where the internal fabric becomes too frail to sustain.
Having been allowed to weaken for an extended period, the constituent parts may drift apart under the very gaze of the nation’s oligarchs.
The fact that Nigeria has precariously perched on the brink for decades, yet still retains a semblance of a nation-state, should not be misconstrued as an indication of immunity to collapse. Nigeria is in dire straits. It is far more prudent to restructure than to permit matters to spiral out of control.
This reality must resonate with all Nigerians as stakeholders, urging them to actively participate in shaping the future of the nation for the betterment of all its citizens.
bgabdullahi@gmail.com
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
