President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to ending banditry and terrorism in Northern Nigeria, insisting that no community under his leadership will be left to “bleed in silence.”
Speaking in Kaduna during the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the President—represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas—said his administration inherited a complex and deeply entrenched security crisis but remains resolute in restoring peace with urgency and firmness.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress when a critical region like the North remains “paralysed,” noting that the safety and stability of the North are central to the nation’s overall prosperity.
He applauded the ACF for 25 years of service as a voice of reason and a guardian of Northern interests, describing the forum as a home of patriots, thinkers and mediators who continue to uphold the values of millions across the region.
According to him, the North is facing one of its most difficult moments—worsening insecurity, weakened community values and a declining moral structure—but he maintained that the region has not failed.
“It will only fail,” he warned, “if leaders abandon their duty to be their brothers’ keepers. Leadership loses meaning when leaders sleep soundly while millions go hungry or travel in fear.”
The President expressed confidence that the region is on the brink of an economic revival, citing the expected commencement of crude oil production from the Kolmani fields and other emerging opportunities.
He highlighted several ongoing federal projects—including rail, road and water transport upgrades—and announced that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway will be completed and inaugurated in Kano in the coming months.
Tinubu also praised the proposed ACF Endowment Fund, describing it as a forward-thinking initiative focused on girl-child education, youth empowerment, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
He urged political, traditional and civil society leaders from the North to renew their commitment to the founding principles of the ACF—justice, fairness, courage and collective responsibility—adding that unity remains the region’s strongest asset.
North Has the Capacity to Overcome Insecurity — Barau Jibrin
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, speaking on behalf of the Senate President, said he remains confident that Northern Nigeria can defeat the insecurity plaguing the region if leaders coordinate effectively and fully deploy available resources.
He congratulated the ACF on its 25-year milestone and saluted its founding fathers, noting that their vision laid the foundation for a strong and resilient North.
Barau acknowledged the region’s challenges but emphasised that they do not erase its long record of resilience. He added that although insecurity persists, similar threats affect other parts of West Africa.
He assured that Northern leaders in the National Assembly, including himself and the Speaker, are ready to collaborate with state governments and local institutions to address the root causes of insecurity and chart a sustainable path to peace.
