Northern elders give reason for joining #Endbadgovernance protest 

By Jennifer Kpaidia

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has attributed the widespread participation of northern states in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests to hunger, marginalization, and endemic poverty. In an interview, NEF spokesman Abdulaziz Sulaiman identified these factors as the primary reasons for the North’s involvement in the protests.

Sulaiman explained that the Northern region has historically been plagued by high levels of poverty and insecurity, with many communities struggling to access nutritious food. The activities of insurgents and bandits have further exacerbated the situation, leading to food shortages and soaring prices.

The NEF spokesman also noted that the North has been marginalized and underserved by successive governments, lacking access to basic infrastructure, healthcare, and educational opportunities. This pervasive sense of neglect has contributed to a deep-seated sense of disillusionment and anger among the region’s youths.

Sulaiman dismissed claims that northern youths are being used to drive the protests, stating that they are asserting their rights to security and a decent standard of living. He emphasized that the protests have highlighted the need for urgent action to address the root causes of food insecurity in Nigeria.

The NEF spokesman also addressed the notion that the North’s sudden reawakening is due to the fact that a non-northerner is currently the president, describing this as a misguided assumption. He pointed out that the North did not remain quiet during President Buhari’s tenure, with various voices of dissent and criticism emerging from within the region.

Sulaiman emphasized that the current protests reflect a collective desire for change and accountability that transcends regional boundaries, highlighting the need for a united effort to address the challenges facing Nigeria.