Former VP Sambo endorses formation of Northern Democrats, decries rising insecurity in the North

• Sambo made these remarks on Saturday
  

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Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has raised alarm over the escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria, stating that the crisis is driving farmers off their lands and severely affecting education and healthcare for many families in the region.

He lamented that the situation is deepening poverty and inequality across northern states and impacting the nation as a whole.

Sambo made these remarks on Saturday while hosting the leadership of the League of Northern Democrats at his Abuja residence. The group, led by former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, was formed to tackle the growing challenges facing the North. Sambo threw his full support behind the initiative, calling it a viable platform for addressing the region’s socio-economic and security crises.

“It is deeply troubling how insecurity has crippled agriculture while also threatening the education and health of our children and women,” Sambo said. “These challenges are continuing to widen the net of poverty and inequality in the North, and indeed the entire country.”

Sambo urged the League to ensure they live up to the expectations of the people in the region, stressing that irrespective of political affiliations, leaders must use their collective experience and resources to meet the needs of their communities while promoting peace and sustainable development.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazau, also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of northern Nigeria. In a letter to the League’s convener, Dr. Umar Ardo, Dambazau highlighted the urgent need to tackle insecurity, banditry, illiteracy, poverty, drug abuse, and the collapse of institutions in the region. He praised the League of Northern Democrats for its commitment to addressing these challenges and pledged his support for their future activities.

The League, which was recently launched by key northern elites, has announced plans to hold a historic summit in Kaduna in October, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expected to attend. According to Ardo, the League is not aligned with any political, ethnic, or religious group but aims to help the government combat the numerous issues undermining the northern states, including insecurity, poverty, and youth drug addiction.