By Jamiu Yusuf
ABUJA: Northern leaders under the umbrella of the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum NENF have called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in Northern Nigeria, warning that banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping have reached catastrophic levels.
The Forum, a coalition of socio-cultural and political leaders from the 19 northern states, said daily attacks by armed groups have crippled farming, commerce, and transportation in the region, leaving millions of citizens in despair.
“The security situation in Northern Nigeria has degenerated into a full-blown catastrophe. Kidnappings for ransom have become a thriving industry, farmers are unable to access their fields, and our major highways have become death traps. This is unacceptable,” the group said in a statement signed by its Convener, Dr Dominic Alancha.
The Forum accused the current Service Chiefs of failing to deliver despite huge allocations of public funds, insisting their tenure has only seen “an alarming increase in audacious attacks.”
It, therefore, demanded: the immediate dismissal of all Service Chiefs; appointment of new, innovative military leaders with clear mandates and deadlines; and, a multi-agency emergency operation to flush out terrorists and dismantle their networks
“This is not a call for militarization but for urgent, targeted operations that will restore permanent order,” NENF emphasized.
Beyond security, the Forum urged President Tinubu to urgently reshuffle his cabinet, citing the underperformance of several ministers.
It argued that the administration needs “a cabinet of doers, thinkers, and political strategists” if it must succeed and secure victory in 2027.
While commending Tinubu for bold economic reforms like fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, NENF pressed for deeper consolidation through robust palliatives, investment in agriculture and manufacturing, and visible improvements in power and infrastructure.
The group also urged Tinubu to demonstrate empathy with suffering Nigerians.
“The people feel a profound disconnect between their daily realities and assurances from Abuja. A government that shares in the burden of its people inspires unity and resilience in the face of adversity,” the statement read.
NENF stressed that its demands are driven by patriotism and not opposition, warning that the survival of the North and the entire nation depends on urgent action.
“We supported the President’s ambition and desire to support him again in 2027, but that support is contingent on effective, empathetic, and decisive governance. The time for action is now,” it concluded.
