AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, AND THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS

His Excellency

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR* 

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces  

Federal Republic of Nigeria

State House, Abuja

Your Excellency,

NIGER STATE AT A CROSSROADS: AN URGENT CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AND POLITICAL RECONCILIATION

I write as a concerned citizen of Niger State. My purpose is not to undermine constitutional authority or to engage in partisan hostility, but to express deep concern over the direction of governance in our state three years after the current administration assumed office.  

The people of Niger State are asking whether the promises and goodwill of 2023 have translated into measurable improvements in healthcare, education, water supply, security, infrastructure, employment and general welfare.

Three years is sufficient time to assess direction, policy outcomes, and the conversion of public resources into tangible benefits. It is therefore legitimate for citizens to ask: what has been achieved, what remains undone, how resources have been deployed, and what corrective measures are required to restore public confidence.

THE POTENTIAL OF NIGER STATE AND THE REALITY ON THE GROUND

Niger State possesses enormous agricultural potential, extensive land, water resources, human capital and strategic location. These advantages can only benefit citizens through competent institutions, prudent management of resources, sound policies, and leadership that listens, acknowledges shortcomings, and delivers results.

Yet there is growing frustration, particularly at the Local Government level, where poverty persists, infrastructure remains inadequate, public services are weak, and the effectiveness of administration appears to have declined. This raises legitimate questions about whether resources allocated to government are reaching the intended communities.

Local Governments should be the frontline of development through functional primary healthcare, accessible schools, potable water, rural roads, agricultural support and responsive administration. Where these are lacking, government’s duty is to listen, investigate and correct, not to dismiss concerns as political criticism.

HEALTHCARE, WATER AND EDUCATION

Healthcare is a key measure of governance. After three years, citizens deserve to know, with verifiable data, how many facilities have been renovated or built, how many are adequately staffed and equipped, and how many communities now have reliable access to affordable care.

Similarly, communities in a water-rich state should not continue to lack potable water. Projects must be judged not by commissioning ceremonies but by whether water actually reaches the people.

In education, insecurity has forced school closures and disrupted learning, creating a generational crisis. The Federal and State Governments, with security agencies, must prioritise the protection of schools and safe access to education.

SECURITY AND PUBLIC RESOURCES

Insecurity through kidnapping and banditry continues to undermine farming, commerce and education. While national security is a federal responsibility, it requires coordinated action with the state, including intelligence, community engagement and protection of vulnerable communities. Citizens expect preventive security, not only condolences after attacks.

Equally important is accountability in the management of public resources. Citizens have a right to know how much the state receives, how much is generated internally, how much is spent, on what, and with what results. Transparency strengthens confidence. Where there are credible allegations of financial misconduct, relevant institutions should investigate independently and without interference.

POLITICAL CONDUCT AND THE ROLE OF THE APC

I also draw the attention of the APC National Leadership to the increasingly confrontational political climate in Niger State, including public exchanges involving the Governor, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Senator Sani Musa and other stakeholders.

Disagreement is normal in democracy. However, when it degenerates into personal insults and public humiliation, it undermines the dignity of office. The Governor, as Chief Executive of all citizens, must demonstrate restraint, maturity and respect for dissent. Leadership is measured not by the number of opponents overpowered, but by composure, institutional protection and delivery of results.

The APC must not equate loyalty with silence. The party should defend good performance with facts, encourage correction where necessary, and provide platforms for reconciliation. Loyalty without sycophancy and authority without arrogance must define the party’s political culture.

OUR APPEAL

Your Excellency, this is not a call for unconstitutional interference. It is a call for objective assessment of governance in Niger State since 2023, covering revenue, expenditure, healthcare, education, water, infrastructure, security, agriculture, local government and youth employment.  

The objective should be to identify what works, correct what does not, and ensure that citizens receive the governance they deserve.

The farmer who cannot access his farm, the parent who fears for a child’s safety, the patient without care, and the youth without jobs are not concerned with political rivalry. They are concerned with survival and dignity. Their voices must be heard.

CONCLUSION

Mr. President, history will judge administrations by the condition of the people they serve. Niger State has waited long for its potential to reflect in the lives of citizens.  

The people do not need political warfare; they need leadership that listens, institutions that function, and government that delivers. They need answers backed by evidence, not insults.  

We respectfully urge you and the APC leadership to act, not against the Niger State Government, but for good governance; not for any faction, but for the people of Niger State.  

Niger State deserves better.

*Respectfully,

Dr. Mohammed K. Ibrahim* 

University Teacher & Concerned Citizen of Niger State

*Email: mki72@gmail.com

CC:The National Chairman and National Leadership,  

All Progressives Congress, Abuja.