The North has No business with poverty – Vice President Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has dismissed allegations that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has neglected the Northern region.

In an interview with Radio France RFI Hausa Service, Shettima said that the North has no business with poverty, as Allah has blessed the region with everything.

The Vice President acknowledged that the region is facing challenges, including economic and security problems, but emphasized that the government is committed to addressing these issues. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at supporting the North, including the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and the North West Development Commission.

Shettima also pointed out that 24 out of 46 ministers in the current administration are from the North, and that several key government parastatals are headed by Northerners. He emphasized that the government is not neglecting the North, but rather working to address the region’s specific challenges.

The Vice President also spoke about the recent protests in the North, saying that while citizens have a right to voice their grievances peacefully, politicians with bad intentions and hoodlums were responsible for causing chaos. He urged calm and called for a meeting with Northern governors, wealthy Northerners, politicians, and stakeholders to find a way out of the region’s economic and security problems.

Shettima concluded by emphasizing that the President loves the North and is grateful to the region, which provided 63% of the votes in the last election. He said that the government will work to ensure that Northerners are treated fairly and that the region’s problems are addressed.

In a statement, Shettima listed several notable Northerners who are supporting the government’s efforts to address the region’s challenges, including Aliko Dangote, Alhaji AbdulSamad, Dahiru Mangal, Alhaji Muhammad Ndimi, Gen T Y Danjuma, AYM Shafa, AA Rano, and others. He said that these individuals will be part of a meeting with Northern governors and other stakeholders to find a way out of the region’s problems.