According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, has expressed concern over the state of insecurity in the North and the political decisions of President Bola Tinubu.
He stated that the North feels abandoned despite its significant role in supporting Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
According to him, the region gave the President strong backing, particularly in Katsina, yet today many northerners believe they are being sidelined.
Yusuf argued that this sense of neglect is deepening frustration among people in the region.
He recalled that Lagos, Tinubu’s home state, gave him fewer votes compared to northern states, yet northerners stood behind him when he needed political strength.
He recalled that Lagos, Tinubu’s home state, gave him fewer votes compared to northern states, yet northerners stood behind him when he needed political strength.
He added that the current political atmosphere reflects a growing feeling of betrayal.
On insecurity, Yusuf emphasized that the North continues to live under fear and pressure from violent groups.He maintained that the government has not done enough to provide lasting solutions to these problems.
In his view, insecurity remains the biggest challenge facing ordinary people across the region.
Speaking further, Yusuf stressed that negotiation with bandits should not be the central approach of government.
While acknowledging that dialogue can be one of many tools, he argued that it cannot replace firm security actions.
He insisted that only a strong and coordinated military and intelligence response can restore safety to affected communities.
He also reflected on how insecurity is weakening economic activities in the North.
Farmers, according to him, are finding it increasingly difficult to go to their farmlands, while traders are losing their businesses because of constant threats.
This situation, he said, is worsening poverty and food shortages in many northern states.
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