The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expressed concerns over the marginalisation of Northerners living in Lagos State and the inequitable distribution of goods and services by the government of the state.
The AYCF also called on the state to ensure northerners get fair representation in key positions within the government.
The forum’s president general, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, in a statement, said failure to address these concerns may have significant political consequences in the upcoming elections.
Shettima said northerners trusted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promises and pledges, and invested heavily in their quest for office which led to a significant majority of votes.
The AYCF however lamented that northerners have been ultimately marginalised, betrayed, and let down by the administration.
He decried what he called a bias in appointments and patronage.
Shettima claimed that the state government favored southerners over northerners in terms of appointments, adding that the Igbo, who massively supported and overwhelmingly voted for Peter Obi, received more favorable treatment.
AYCF also expressed concerns over the inequitable distribution of goods and services by the Tinubu administration.
“The Northern population, being a significant part of Lagos state, expects to receive a fair share of resources and development projects in the communities where they predominate.
“However, the Northern communities in Lagos have been neglected, with resources and projects disproportionately allocated to Yoruba indigenes and residents.
“This imbalance has exacerbated economic challenges and deepened the sense of marginalization among Northern communities.
“In March 2023, Northern voters in Lagos entrusted their faith in Sanwo-Olu to address their limitations and guide them towards a secure and prosperous future.
“They believed that their votes would result in a united Lagos state, where resources and appointments would be proportionately shared. However, months into its inception, the administration has proven to be controlled by Yoruba regional jingoists,” said Shettima.
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