Why Northern Leaders Should Be Blamed for Fueling Insecurity – CPPE CEO, Muda Yusuf

Ex- Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and CEO of the Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr. Muda Yusuf, has attributed the lack of inclusive governance as one of the leading causes of insecurity in Nigeria.

The renowned economic analyst revealed this in a tete-a-tete session with Af24news talks at his Lagos office.

While responding to the question on whether or not he believes a connection exists between politics and insecurity, Dr. Yusuf explained that Nigeria’s insecurity challenge is the long-term result of non-inclusive governance from years back.

According to him, Nigeria’s quagmire of insecurity started largely in the North, as a result of abandonment by the Northern elites of their people. Therefore, due to the years of neglect and idleness, the Northern region has become a haven where violence thrives.

Dr Yusuf said: “Of course, there is a link between politics and insecurity, especially in Nigeria. Over the years, we haven’t had an inclusive governance structure. This has played out largely in the North. The Northern elites neglected their people. They are disconnected from their people. We had a time in Nigeria when the Almajiris totaled about 20 million. In the North, people just give birth and leave their children to the care of nature. Little to no attention is given to education and welfare, too.”

“We are paying for years of cumulative governance failure. The boys and girls who were neglected years ago have now grown up to become wild. Evil people have recruited and exposed them to evil vices. Sadly, many of them can’t turn away anymore because of the kinds of ‘perks’ associated with their activities. For instance, what job will you offer a kidnapper or bandit who has been exposed to 50 to 100 million Naira cash? I largely blame the Northern elites.”

In a bid to give a balanced approach to the question, Mr. Muda Yusuf further disclosed that: “Inasmuch as the neglect and abandonment of the masses are serious causes of insecurity, notwithstanding, the diversion of public funds is equally a major factor at play in the Nigerian situation.”

Based on the analyst’s postulations, the money earmarked for the creation of great initiatives, programs, and infrastructure has been siphoned by privateindividuals over the years. Hence, the problems these initiatives could have solved are beginning to surface.

In addition, in an effort to advise public office holders, the CEO of the Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprise modeled the ex-Governor of Lagos, Chief Lateef Jakande, as an example of an ideal leader. In his words, “ex-Governor Lateef Jakande is my best model because he lived a selfless life. He symbolizes service and was obviously prepared for governance.”

“Little wonder why his legacy lives on in Lagos State,” he added.