… Leaders Cite Infrastructure And Security Gains In Region

Northern state governors have rallied to defend President Bola Tinubu’s administration against accusations of neglect from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), highlighting progress in infrastructure and security. Led by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Northern States Governors’ Forum pointed to ongoing projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway and the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development as evidence of commitment. Yahaya noted that security operations have neutralized over 300 bandit leaders, improving stability in states like Kaduna and Bauchi. The governors argued that these efforts align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, countering ACF claims of underfunding and insecurity. They also cited educational interventions, including plans to address the 80% northern share of out-of-school children, as outlined by World Bank data. The defense comes amid ACF leader Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu’s criticism of unequal road allocations, with the South-West receiving ₦1.394 trillion compared to ₦30 billion for the North-East. Governors pledged to collaborate with the federal government to accelerate development, with some announcing state-level funding for local projects. Opposition parties challenged the governors’ claims, alleging political posturing, but community leaders in the North expressed cautious optimism. The governors’ stance is seen as a strategic move to maintain regional support ahead of the 2027 elections, with plans f