The North is growing discontented with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and may seek alternatives if pressing issues remain unaddressed, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), warned in an interview.
Yerima highlighted dissatisfaction with recent tax reforms, criticizing poor consultation and presentation. “The managers of the bills did not do well,” he said, urging greater engagement with stakeholders to avoid misconceptions of regional bias. “Consultation is the first thing they should have done,” he added, emphasizing the need for legitimacy through National Assembly representatives.
Addressing broader concerns, Yerima pointed to lingering economic hardship and insecurity. “The North had high expectations from Tinubu, especially after Buhari’s eight years brought little to the region,” he stated. Despite challenges, he advised patience, acknowledging the tough economic landscape Tinubu inherited. “The government still has another opportunity in less than two years to turn things around.”
Yerima urged immediate focus on security and economic relief. “If Tinubu can win on security and reduce hardship, he will win northern hearts,” he noted, commending military efforts but advocating more support.
He also criticized state governors for failing to generate revenue, saying, “Some governors are lazy, relying on federal allocations while neglecting state resources.” Yerima called for decentralizing governance, asserting, “States must be productive. This current arrangement will never see the light of day.”
While maintaining faith in Tinubu, Yerima warned, “If this pain continues, we will look for alternatives. The north does not hate Tinubu, but policies making life harder must change.”
