The Northern Alternative Forum (NAF), a non-partisan socio-cultural organization dedicated to promoting the welfare and development of Northern Nigeria, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold decision to shelve attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States.
In a statement issued by its national chairman, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, NAF, popularly referred to as ‘Northern Mafias’ noted that President Tinubu’s decision to stay back after participating in the Forum on Africa and China (FOCAC) and attend to domestic matters is a refreshing departure from the past.
“We are impressed that President Tinubu has chosen to prioritise pressing domestic issues over attending the UNGA, an epoch gathering of world leaders. By deploying Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him, President Tinubu has demonstrated a unique brand of leadership that puts the nation’s interests above personal considerations,” Ibrahim stated.
NAF pointed out that unlike past Nigerian leaders who always insisted on globetrotting, fiddling like Nero while Rome was on fire, President Tinubu has shown that he is a leader the pits the interest of the citizens first.
“If it were past leaders, they would have jumped on the plane to attend UNGA without hesitation, but President Tinubu has shown that he is a leader who puts Nigeria first,” Ibrahim noted.
The Northern group further states that the President’s visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, to witness the extent of damage caused by flooding, despite sending Vice President Shettima earlier and dispatching relief materials, is a testament to his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
“This gesture demonstrates that President Tinubu is a leader who feels the pulse of his people and is willing to take concrete actions to address their needs,” Gidado added.
NAF also urged President Tinubu to extend this gesture to other affected areas, particularly Katagum in Bauchi State, where flooding has also wreaked havoc.
It said, “We appeal to Mr. President to visit Katagum and assess the situation firsthand, ensuring that necessary support is provided to affected communities.”
Furthermore, the forum appealed to President Tinubu not to scrap the Humanitarian Ministry in the next cabinet reshuffle as being insinuated in the media, pointing out that it is the only ministry under the renewed hope administration that demonstrates that the president is a welfarist.
Ibrahim added: “The Ministry plays a strategic role in addressing humanitarian crises and providing succor to vulnerable Nigerians. Retaining this Ministry will demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.”
The group also urged the President to keep up the good job of providing people-centered, purposeful and result-orientated leadership.
Ibrahim said, “We hail President Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s development. We urge him to keep up the good work and continue prioritizing the needs of Nigerians.
“Stay focused on the job. Refuse to be distracted by the antics of failed oppositions, who are bent on sabotaging the administration to score cheap political points. Nigerians know the truth. They’re not blind, deaf or dumb. Even those who can’t see, can hear. Nigeria’s fortune is changing forever.
“We also call on all past presidents and their vice presidents, as well as elder statesmen and top senior citizens, to join hand with President Tinubu to move Nigeria forward in terms of growth and development for benefit of all Nigerians.”