Northern Senators’ leadership without accountability has led to a widespread criticism and mistrust among constituents.
For too long, the Northern region of Nigeria has endured neglect, underdevelopment and insecurity, with little to show for the years of political representation in the National Assembly.
Despite having a sizable presence in the Senate, Northern senators have often failed to meaningfully address the concerns of their people.
Leading many to believe that these politicians are more interested in enriching themselves than improving the lives of their constituents.
Many of these leaders are perceived as more focused on personal enrichment than on the welfare of the Northern population.
The lack of meaningful action is not just a failure of leadership. It is also a betrayal of the people’s trust.
This piece critically examines why Northern senators have failed in their duties and presents a compelling call for action to fix this broken system.
A Region in Crisis
Northern Nigeria is struggling with pressing needs that should be the top priority for its political leadership, which consist of the following, such as insecurity, poverty, inadequate education and poor healthcare.
The region’s high levels of poverty and the constant threat of violence from insurgent groups like Boko Haram and various bandits have displaced millions.
Yet, despite these urgent crises, many Northern senators remain passive, often silent in the face of their constituents’ suffering.
The lack of basic public services, such as healthcare and education, compounds the suffering.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Northern Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of the country’s poorest citizens.
With the region having the highest rate of children out of school in the country.
The fact that the very people elected to advocate for these citizens seem indifferent or ineffective, is a serious cause for concern.
Why Northern Senators fail to represent their people is in their effort to self-Enrichment and Corruption
The most alarming reason why Northern senators fail to serve their people is the widespread practice of corruption.
The significant portion of the public funds allocated for development projects is often misappropriated.
Also, constituency funds meant to be used for local development are often diverted for personal gain.
In the year 2016, Senator Shehu Sani, who was then representing Kaduna Central, publicly criticized the diversion of funds meant for constituency projects.
He calls attention to the misuse of resources by senators and political elites.
This kind of corruption is not a rare occurrence but a widespread issue.
Constituency projects, meant to address local infrastructural needs, are poorly executed or abandoned after funds are siphoned off by politicians.
This systemic corruption deprives the people of Northern Nigeria of the benefits they are to receive from their leaders.
Instead of investing in the region’s development, many senators are using their positions to enrich themselves.
Insecurity As a Silent Epidemic in the north
The security situation in Northern Nigeria has reached a crisis point. With Boko Haram, bandits and other armed groups causing devastation across the region.
Despite the severity of this issue, many Northern senators remain disturbingly quiet. They often fail to advocate for the urgent needs of their constituents.
A prominent example is Borno State, where insurgents have displaced millions of people.
Senators from the region, such as Ali Ndume of Borno South, have spoken out on the issue.
Calls for increase in security measures and attention from the federal government have not met with sufficient action.
The lack of meaningful intervention has led to the displacement of millions, further destabilizing the region.
If Northern senators commits to their constituents, they will be using their positions to push for immediate and effective responses to the security crisis.
However, instead of fighting for the protection of their people, some senators appear more focused on maintaining political power.
Education and Healthcare: Neglected by Those in Power
Education and healthcare are fundamental to the development of any region. Northern Nigeria is failing in both of these areas.
In a report issued in the year 2018, by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), a significant amount of education funding in Northern Nigeria remains inaccessible due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption.
For example, states in the North have failed to utilize federal funds meant to improve educational infrastructure, teacher training, and school attendance.
The healthcare situation is equally dire.
Northern Nigeria has some of the lowest health indicators in the country. Many states are struggling to provide basic health services to their citizens.
Yet, when it comes to the allocation of funds or the pushing for reforms in these sectors, many senators from the North have been largely ineffective.
The silence of Northern senators in addressing these critical issues, typically reflects their disconnection from the real needs of their people.
Why The Silence on National Issues
This critically signify a bold failure of leadership, considering the troubling behaviour of many Northern senators.
Their silence on national issues affects the integrity of democratic processes.
For example, during Muhammadu Buhari regime, there was a proposed controversial bill.
The social media Bill, which the youth argued its threatened freedom of expression, Northern senators largely failed to speak out.
This silence is not merely a political strategy but a reflection of a deeper issue.
Northern Senators often prioritize political loyalty to the central government over their responsibility to represent the interests of their people.
This passivity has allowed harmful policies to pass through the National Assembly without the needed scrutiny or opposition from senators.
They should be the first line of defense against such laws. Such as the recent tax bill before the national assembly.
Northern Senators Must Act or Step Aside
It is clear that the status quo is no longer acceptable.
The people of Northern Nigeria have endured years of neglect and misrepresentation.
If Northern senators cannot fulfill their basic duties of representing the needs and interests of their constituents, then they should make way for leaders who can.
The people of Northern Nigeria must demand more from their senators.
This means voting for leaders who prioritize the public good over personal gain. Holding them accountable when they fail to deliver.
Citizens must be informed and active in political discourse.
They should be unafraid to challenge their elected representatives when they fall short.
This is to say the public must ensure a corrupt free media practice to stay inform regarding recent development.
This can be actualized by ensuring that the media personnel have proven integrity.
If the current crop of senators cannot bring about change , it is time for a new generation of leaders to take the reins.
Young, capable individuals who are not beholden to the old political system, are to step forward. They should offer a fresh vision for a prosperous and secure Northern Nigeria.
Leaders should prioritize education, healthcare and infrastructure. They must work to address the systemic corruption that has stunted the region’s growth for quit a long.