A prominent group from northern Nigeria, Northern Coalition for Equity and Good Leadership, has berated Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State over what it called his continuous display of disregard towards the northern region.
The group stated that the governor’s recent criticism of the North-West part of the country on the distribution of National Assembly leadership positions was uncalled for and insensitive.
The group’s convener, Ibrahim Sanusi, queried the governor’s motives and asked why he always chose to attack the North on issues that require balanced opinions from respected statesmen like him.
In the just-concluded 2023 elections, the North-West produced the highest number of votes for the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicating the North’s ability to make independent decisions.
Sanusi also expressed his bewilderment as to why the Ondo governor chose to incite other northern regions against the North-West when, in the past, he was against the entire northern region.
He questioned whether it was a case of “see finish,” meaning that Akeredolu felt he had a superior view of the North and could therefore make unilateral decisions about the region.
Furthermore, the group accused the governor of acting like a paid agent, suggesting that he may be working for some of the contenders for the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives.
The Northern Coalition for Equity and Good Leadership warned Governor Akeredolu to steer clear of northern affairs, especially during this period when everything is being put in place to ensure a united Nigeria.
They urged the governor and his sponsors not to be fifth columnists working to ensure the failure of the Tinubu government, citing the Bukola Saraki days as an example of what could go wrong.
The group called on Governor Akeredolu to be a statesman and exercise caution in his public utterances about the North and other regions of the country. They urged him to focus on his primary responsibility of governance and not meddle in affairs that are not within his purview.
