Niger State at a Crossroads: Concerned Citizen Urges Tinubu, APC Leadership to Intervene

By Dr. Mohammed K. Ibrahim
University Teacher and Concerned Citizen of Niger State

A concerned citizen of Niger State, Dr. Mohammed K. Ibrahim, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pay urgent attention to the state’s governance, accountability, security and political environment.

In an open letter addressed to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Ibrahim said the appeal was motivated by growing concerns over the direction of the state after three years of the current administration.

He stressed that three years was sufficient time for citizens to assess a government’s performance, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, water supply, security, infrastructure, employment and the management of public resources.

According to him, Niger State possesses enormous agricultural, water, human and economic potential, but these advantages could only translate into improved living conditions if matched with competent institutions, prudent management and accountable leadership.

Concerns Over Healthcare, Education, Water

Ibrahim expressed concern over the state of healthcare infrastructure, staffing, medical equipment, medicines, emergency services and primary healthcare facilities in parts of the state.

He challenged the government to provide verifiable statistics showing the number of healthcare facilities constructed or renovated, adequately equipped and staffed since 2023.

The concerned citizen also raised questions over access to potable water, particularly in communities where residents continue to experience difficulties despite the state’s considerable water resources.

On education, he said the government must prioritise safe and functional schools, warning that insecurity and the disruption of schooling could create a generational crisis for thousands of children.

He called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, Niger State Government and security agencies to ensure that children can safely attend schools.

Insecurity Remains a Major Concern

The letter also identified kidnapping, banditry and attacks on communities as major challenges affecting farming, education, commerce and economic activities across Niger State.

Ibrahim urged the authorities to move beyond reacting to attacks after they occur and develop stronger preventive security measures involving intelligence gathering, community engagement, rapid response and protection of vulnerable settlements.

He said farmers, businesses, teachers, students and families needed an environment where they could live and work without constant fear.

Call for Transparency in Public Spending

The concerned citizen further called for greater transparency in the management of public resources.

He urged the state government to make information available on revenues received from the Federation Account, internally generated revenue, budget implementation, capital projects, healthcare and education spending, water and infrastructure projects, Local Government funding, borrowing and debt obligations.

He also called for transparency in procurement, contractor selection and the implementation of major projects.

Ibrahim said credible allegations of financial misconduct should be investigated independently by the appropriate institutions without political interference.

“Transparency is not a threat to responsible government; rather, transparency is one of the strongest protections a responsible government can have,” he said.

Appeal for Political Restraint

The letter also drew attention to political tensions in Niger State, particularly public exchanges involving Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and senior political figures, including former Governor Senator Abubakar Sani Bello and Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District.

Ibrahim said political disagreements were normal in a democracy but warned against personal insults, public humiliation and inflammatory exchanges among political leaders.

He urged the Governor to demonstrate restraint and respect for legitimate criticism, stressing that the office of Governor carries responsibility for all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.

According to him, “the most convincing answer to criticism is not an insult but performance,” adding that government should focus on delivering better healthcare, functional schools, reliable water, improved infrastructure, security and economic opportunities.

APC Urged Not to Confuse Loyalty With Silence

Ibrahim also appealed to the APC National Leadership to distinguish political loyalty from unconditional defence of government.

He said the party should defend the Niger State Government where it was performing well, encourage corrective measures where there were shortcomings and provide a platform for reconciliation where political disagreements had become destructive.

He called for a political culture based on “loyalty without sycophancy, disagreement without insults, authority without arrogance, competition without destruction and leadership without impunity.”

Call for Comprehensive Assessment

The concerned citizen urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to encourage a comprehensive and objective assessment of governance in Niger State since 2023.

He said such an assessment should cover campaign promises, revenue and expenditure, budget performance, healthcare, education and school safety, water supply, roads and infrastructure, agriculture, Local Government administration, security, youth employment, procurement, project implementation and debt obligations.

He clarified that the proposal was not intended to embarrass the state government or create another political battle, but to identify areas of success and shortcomings and promote corrective action.

“This Is About the People”

Ibrahim said the concerns being raised were ultimately about the welfare of ordinary citizens rather than political factions.

He noted that farmers were concerned about access to their farms, parents about the safety of their children, patients about healthcare, young people about employment and families about access to clean water.

“The ultimate purpose of government is not to protect the image of government but to protect and improve the lives of the people,” he said.

“Niger State Deserves Better”

The writer called on President Tinubu and the APC leadership to encourage greater accountability, political reconciliation, security cooperation and measurable improvements in healthcare, education, water and infrastructure.

He said the people of Niger State needed leadership that listened, institutions that functioned and a government that delivered tangible results.

According to him, political power was temporary, while Niger State and its people would continue to live with the consequences of decisions taken by those entrusted with public office.

He therefore urged President Tinubu to act “not against Niger State, but for Niger State; not against the government, but for good governance and leadership; not for one political faction, but for the people.”

“Niger State deserves better, and the people of Niger State deserve nothing less,” Ibrahim concluded.

Signed:
Dr. Mohammed K. Ibrahim
University Teacher & Concerned Citizen of Niger State