Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, has called on northern political, traditional and civic leaders to take full advantage of President Bola Tinubu’s consistent support for the region and the significant rise in subnational revenues to confront the escalating security challenges facing the north.

He spoke at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna.

Barau said the north currently occupies “a position of unique political advantage” owing to what he described as President Tinubu’s unwavering receptiveness to northern concerns and requests.

According to him, the president has repeatedly demonstrated commitment to the region through interventions in security, agriculture, education and rapid responses to emergencies across the north.

Barau said: “We have never taken any request tied to the north to him without receiving support. Whatever we take to him in terms of our needs, he will definitely deliver.”

The Deputy Senate President, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged northern governors, federal lawmakers and regional stakeholders to harness this goodwill to design and implement coordinated security strategies. 

He said the region cannot afford fragmented responses when the political atmosphere and fiscal inflows are favourable.

He drew attention to the rising revenues now flowing to state governments, arguing that enhanced fiscal capacity must translate into deliberate investment in security architecture, intelligence networks and local policing efforts.

According to him, “The National Assembly is ready to support and co-fund initiatives that will strengthen security and drive development across the region.”

He cited the South-west as an example, saying the establishment of the Amotekun Corps had contributed significantly to stabilising the zone and making it one of the safest parts of the country. 

He insisted that the north could replicate such success if its leaders commit to unified action.

“Let our leaders come together. The governors, lawmakers, stakeholders. Let us sit together and work on finding solutions to our problems,” he said.

Barau dismissed the dire projections presented at the event by Professor Jibrin Ibrahim in a trend analysis titled ‘Arewa in the Next 25 Years’.

He argued that pessimistic forecasts would not materialise where there is collective resolve.

“As long as we put our heads together, we shall take our region forward and help the country towards prosperity. This is doable,” he said.

He also tasked the ACF with stepping up its convening power by regularly bringing northern governors, federal legislators and security experts into the same room. 

Barau noted that several past meetings were held without the involvement of top federal lawmakers who could influence budgetary outcomes.

He said: “Invite us. We can influence funding. We can give weight to these initiatives.”

Congratulating the ACF on its Silver Jubilee, Barau said the Forum’s next phase must focus on mobilising unity and sharpening regional strategies.

He stressed the need to align fully with a president who, according to him, has shown firm commitment to the north’s development and aspirations.

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