A former Senator who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has attributed the security and socio-economic challenges facing the northern region to the failure of politicians from the region.
Mr Sani, who stated this during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, said politicians from Northern region have not used political power for the benefit of their people.
According to him, the current situation in the North is a “product of the failure of governance and leadership” in the region.
“You see, I come from Northern Nigeria, particularly Kaduna State, and if there is any place, I will love to see prospering and people living in peace, and harmony and being able to go about their daily business is where I come from,” he added.
The former Senator said the Northern region is battling the problems of insecurity, poverty, and out-of-school children despite the political power that the region has enjoyed in the country.
“The situation in the northern part of Nigeria today is a product of the failure of governance and leadership that has happened in the country for over four to four decades,” Mr Sani said.
“Political power that ought to have been used by people who come from our own part of the country to improve the economy, better the lives of people, and address the problems of poverty, destitution, and underdevelopment has actually not been utilised for such purposes.
“We have some of the richest businessmen and politicians in the country, but the level of poverty you have seen is a reflection of what leadership and opportunity were used for.
“In all indices, the north lacks behind. Sometimes you ask what all these powers are being used for.
“If any person will compare what is happening in the north and the southern part of Nigeria will wonder what power is being used for.
“Power has been toxic to our people. It has not been used for the benefit of our people for a very long time,” he added.
