Usman Okai-Austin has asserted that the most pressing need for Nigeria’s northern region is tangible development, rather than the mere retention of political power.
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency made these remarks during an exclusive interview, arguing that northern leaders have consistently failed to address critical issues such as widespread poverty, severe insecurity, and the alarming number of out-of-school children, despite holding significant political influence for decades.
Okai-Austin questioned the value of political power when it does not translate into improved living conditions for the populace. He pointedly asked whether the North currently has quality hospitals or well-planned schools for its children.
To illustrate his point, he highlighted the efforts of former President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the South-South, who constructed 157 modern Almajiri schools across the north. This initiative was designed to directly tackle unemployment and integrate out-of-school children into the educational system. However, he noted with disappointment that the subsequent administration, led by President Muhammadu Buhari—a Muslim from Katsina—did not sustain the program and allowed the schools to fall into disrepair.
The activist strongly dismissed ongoing claims of northern marginalisation propagated by certain politicians.
He specifically called out former officials like Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and Abubakar Malami, who held powerful positions for years but, in his view, failed to deliver meaningful development.
Okai-Austin redefined marginalisation, stating that the truly marginalised are the unemployed youths, women without healthcare, farmers unable to access their lands due to insecurity, and children deprived of education. He concluded by calling for a new generation of northern leaders to take over, asserting that the old guard has used the region merely as a bargaining chip for their own personal interests.
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cc: Daily Post NG
