Abuja, Jan. 27, 2025 – The Arewa Youth Leaders and Professionals Forum (AYLPF) on Monday condemned the critical stance of Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State against economic policies of President Bola Tinubu.
The group said the critical stance of the governor against economic policies of the current administration was detrimental to the unity of the country.
Abdulahi Bilal Mohammed, the President of AYLPF, said this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday,
He said Mohammed’s stance was not driven by genuine concern for Nigeria’s development, but reflected his disdain for national unity and the trust placed in him by the people of Bauchi State and the country at large.
The AYLPF leader also condemned Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna state for his recent utterances against the federal government.
He described Nasir El-Rufai as politically irrelevant and disconnected from the aspirations of Nigerians.
“El-Rufai’s recent utterances and actions demonstrate his detachment from the realities and priorities of the Nigerian people,” said Mohammed, adding that his alleged alliance with promoters of a third force represents an effort to undermine the interests of northern Nigeria.
The group accused El-Rufai and other third force advocates of pursuing divisive and selfish agendas.
The Arewa group called on patriotic Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu’s administration, which it described as committed to the progress and development of the country.
“The voices of division and selfishness must be silenced. We urge all Nigerians to support the economic reforms of President Tinubu’s administration, which are aimed at ensuring national growth and prosperity,” the group concluded.
The statement reads in parts: “Firstly, Let us begin with Governor Bala Mohammed. His recent statements and actions are a clear indication of his disdain for the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“His opposition to President Tinubu’s reforms is not rooted in any genuine concern for the nation, but rather, a desperate attempt to cling to the past that have benefitted him and his cronies.
“His actions have proven to be another emblem of trust betrayal placed in him by the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large. Apparently, El-Rufai, on the other hand, is a man with an emaciated political career.
“His emaciated political relevance has driven him into reckless rhetoric and divisive politicking, all in a futile attempt to revive his presidential ambitions.
“His recent utterances and actions are a clear indication of his disconnect from the aspirations of the Nigerian people. He has become a divisive figure, attempting to pit the North against the rest of the country.
“Indeed, it is disheartening that leaders entrusted with the responsibility of creating unity and development have instead chosen the path of betrayal and self-interest.
“Their antics are a betrayal of trust, not only to the North but to the entire nation.
“They are pursuing a divide and rule strategy that is antithetical to the spirit of unity and progress that Nigeria desperately needs. Let us be clear: these leaders are not speaking for the North, they are only serving their selfish agendas.
“Nevertheless, the Arewa Youth Leaders and Professionals Forum firmly stands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s economic reforms. These reforms, though admittedly challenging in the short term, are necessary steps to reposition Nigeria for growth, development, and progress.
“However, it is evident that those opposing these reforms are individuals who have been beneficiaries of the flawed systems of past administrations.
“From subsidy removal to tax reforms. President Tinubu’s policies are aimed at correcting the ills of the past, ills that have kept us bound to a cycle of corruption and underdevelopment.”
