The ArewaOn Wednesday, the Defence League unveiled what it called a landmark document for Northern Nigeria, stating that the region was caught in a severe "crisis" characterized by instability, economic decline, political neglect, and societal deterioration.
Following a strategy seminar conducted at Arewa House in Kaduna, the group issued the Kaduna October Declaration on the Rights of the People of Northern Nigeria. This document was described as the result of extensive discussions with state coordinators, specialists, and various stakeholders throughout the 19 northern states.
Introducing the statement, the President of ADL, Murtala Abubakar, statedArewa PUNCH that the time had come for the North to “chart a path toward a renaissance” within the Nigerian federation, adding that the social contract between the Nigerian state and its Northern citizens had been “gravely weakened.”
He emphasized, "Northern Nigeria is not dealing with isolated challenges, but a complex network of interconnected problems—what we refer to as a polycrisis."
Abubakar further told Arewa PUNCHState control over violence has nearly completely collapsed, the economy is in a free fall, public services are deteriorating, and the elite class is shielded from responsibility. This situation cannot continue.
Emphasizing the deteriorating instability in the area, the group noted that the North was "a region under attack," where uprisings, piracy, abductions, and conflicts between communities had transformed villages and roads into zones of violence.
As per ADL, "the breakdown of security represents the most serious failure of the state's fundamental duty," arguing that the Nigerian government had "lost control over force."
Regarding the economy, the statement claimed that the North had provided human and natural resources to the federation but gained very little in return.
"Although we have made our part, the returns have been small and frequently mishandled. Corruption and ineffective policies have ruined agriculture, hindered businesses, and resulted in millions of young people being without jobs," the document stated.
The group also expressed concern that the region had the largest number of children not attending school, inadequate medical care, and worsening public infrastructure, cautioning that "a whole generation is in danger of being permanently left behind."
It also blamed northern political leaders for establishing a culture of immunity.
Policies that benefit a select few have intensified sentiments of being overlooked, excluded, and underrepresented nationally," ADL said, adding that the decline in human rights had made everyday life in the area "a battle for safety, food, and respect.
Although the declaration did not go as far as demanding the North's exit from Nigeria, the ADL stated that "all possibilities should remain available."
"We are not promoting separation, but we cannot overlook the fact that separation could still be a possibility if the Nigerian government keeps failing," Abubakar stated.
Our request calls for a fundamental transformation of the Nigerian social agreement. The government's credibility in the North has been severely damaged and needs to be restored.
He highlighted that the new system should be based on the values of freedom, equality, and the authority of the people.
As stated by the group, "the highest power belongs to the people of Northern Nigeria, who are integral to the Nigerian nation. No authority is legitimate unless it comes directly from the people's approval."
The group stated that the declaration was "the start of a renewed journey, not its end."
At the same time, it revealed three significant subsequent steps: establishing a planning committee for a Northern stakeholders' meeting; creating detailed policy papers concerning politics, economy, and regional partnerships; and implementing an extensive voter awareness initiative before the 2027 national elections.
"We will not stand by and let others determine our destiny," Abubakar stated.
We will organize, we will inform, and we will guarantee that by 2027, the people's desires are completely conveyed.
The ADL extended an invitation to the federal government, the national assembly, civil society organizations, and international allies to participate in the declaration with sincerity.
"The age of hollow words has ended. It's time to take action," Abubakar concluded.
This is our firm pledge to the citizens of Northern Nigeria and our positive input into the national dialogue.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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