Shun Insults, Unite With Federal Govt, Maryam Abacha Tells North

Hajia Maryam Abacha, widow of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has urged northern stakeholders to refrain from abusive rhetoric and instead adopt a unified, structured approach in engaging the federal government on the region’s pressing challenges.

In a statement issued to journalists from Paris yesterday, Mrs. Abacha cautioned against the use of invective in public discourse, stressing that such language undermines governance processes and does not contribute to meaningful progress.

She said, “The use of invective against leaders does not serve the interests of the ordinary citizen; rather, it weakens governance structures. What is required is constructive engagement, accompanied by prayers and a sincere articulation of the people’s challenges in a manner that promotes unity and collective advancement.”

The former first lady called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious scholars, women and youth organisations across northern Nigeria to close ranks and present a common front in addressing insecurity, poverty, and socio-economic hardship in the region.

Drawing on her experience within government, she noted that effective advocacy requires coordinated engagement through established institutional channels rather than public exchanges of insults.

“Rather than resorting to media platforms for the exchange of insults, I call on northern traditional rulers to close ranks and engage the federal government through appropriate institutional mechanisms on the pressing challenges confronting the region—particularly insecurity, poverty, and the socio-economic hardship affecting the populace,” she said.

Maryam Abacha emphasised the need for inclusive participation, urging all segments of society to be actively involved in structured advocacy and representation.

She called on women’s groups, business leaders, the organised private sector, youth organisations, religious scholars, academics, and security personnel of Northern origin to forge a unified platform for dialogue with the federal government.

“I have had the privilege of being within the seat of the federal government; I understand how sustained and coordinated public pressure through legitimate channels can prompt decisive action. I therefore appeal to Northerners—particularly religious leaders, traditional rulers, business leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations, university academics, and all stakeholders—to speak with one voice, including security personnel of northern origin, especially on the issue of insecurity and the underlying factors driving underdevelopment in the region.”

The former first lady also stressed the importance of complementing advocacy efforts with spiritual support, urging stakeholders to combine engagement with prayers.

“After presenting grievances, prayers should follow. Let there be supplication, patriotism, and then structured engagement with government. When such concerns are harmonised across all sectors, government will be compelled to respond constructively in the interest of peace and stability,” she said.

Maryam Abacha further extended goodwill to public office holders at all levels—federal government officials, state governors, legislators, local government chairmen, and councillors—urging them to discharge their responsibilities with justice, equity, and a strong sense of national duty.

She also expressed concern over what she described as greater cohesion among stakeholders in Southern Nigeria in advancing their collective interests through coordinated representation, stressing the need for Northern stakeholders to cultivate similar unity of purpose.

The former first lady urged the federal government to intensify efforts toward youth welfare, particularly in tackling unemployment and insecurity, to improve socio-economic conditions and enhance national stability.

She said her intervention was driven by a sense of responsibility as a mother to all Nigerians and aimed at fostering balance, equity, and social cohesion across the country.

“I made this appeal as a mother to all Nigerians, in the interest of fairness and national harmony. Those who may be uncomfortable with my remarks should recognise that it reflects the truth and exercise patience—truth, by its very nature, can be difficult to accept,” she stated.