Don’t blame Tinubu for your problems – Ex–House of Reps Speaker revealed people who caused poverty in the North

Don’t blame Tinubu for your problems – Ex–House of Reps Speaker revealed people who caused poverty in the North

Yakubu Dogara, a former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, has pointed accusing finger at northern leaders for the region’s enduring poverty and underdevelopment, attributing its backwardness to decades of mismanagement by those in power.

He also called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, which are awaiting approval from the National Assembly, emphasising their potential to drive nationwide transformation.

Dogara made these remarks as a keynote speaker at a town hall meeting for Christian leaders from northern Nigeria, titled “Church and Society: Tax Reforms and Matters Arising.”

The event focused on governance, development, and the pressing need for change in the region.

The former Speaker lamented that, despite having held the reins of political power for more than four decades, northern leaders had failed to lift their people out of poverty.

He emphasized that instead of blaming President Tinubu for the North’s struggles, northern Nigerians must recognize that their current plight is a result of their own leadership’s failure.

“We cannot blame President Tinubu or the South for our troubles,” Dogara asserted. “We had the opportunity to lead for over 40 years, and look where we are now—still mired in poverty and stagnation.”

Dogara also spoke critically of the region’s use of resources, particularly highlighting the mismanagement of federal allocations and the Value Added Tax (VAT).

“We’ve received so much over the years, but what have our governors done with it? Instead of investing in sustainable development, they squandered the resources that could have transformed our communities,” he said.

The former Speaker pointed to the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, a landmark project started by the Shagari administration, which, despite being 98% complete, was abandoned and left to decay.

“This was a project on the brink of success, yet it was allowed to deteriorate,” Dogara noted.

In conclusion, Dogara urged northern Nigerians to put aside divisions and support the tax reforms spearheaded by President Tinubu, which he believes have the potential to rejuvenate the North and the entire country.

“The reforms will not only bring about change, but they will also provide the foundation for a more prosperous and united nation,” he added.