Previous Ganduje Advisor Alleges Tinubu's Prioritization of Federal Projects in Lagos State
In the heart of Nigeria's political landscape, criticism is growing against President Bola Tinubu for an alleged excessive concentration of federal projects, resources, and appointments in his home state of Lagos. This perceived regional favouritism has raised concerns about national unity and equitable development.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former aide to the ex-Kano State governor, has been among the most vocal critics. In a post titled "Emi-Lokan or Lagos-Lakon?" on his verified Facebook handle, Yakasai questions whether Tinubu is acting as President of Nigeria or simply of Lagos. He argues that the overwhelming allocation of resources to Lagos is unprecedented and unjustifiable, given the underdevelopment in other regions.
Yakasai's concerns are echoed by political analysts and figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor. They point to major federal infrastructure projects, such as the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the $651 million 7th Axial Road, the proposed $2 billion Lagos Light Rail, and significant rehabilitation of Lagos International Airport, all of which are concentrated in Lagos State. In contrast, large parts of the North face neglect, with poor infrastructure and a lack of federal investments, contributing to insecurity and poverty.
Yakasai suggests that if these vast funds were invested in other states as well, they would become economically viable too. He expresses concern about the distribution of resources across states, noting that his home state of Kano seems to have only the Renewed Hope City project, with little to no other tangible projects on the ground, only audio approvals.
Critics continue to speak out against the perceived favoritism towards Lagos, ensuring records will be there for posterity's sake. They argue that the priority given to projects in Lagos disregards equity, fairness, and justice across Nigeria. Some even question whether Tinubu is acting as President of Nigeria or simply of Lagos.
As discussions about Tinubu's potential re-election bid in 2027 continue, these criticisms are likely to persist. The question remains: Will the President address these concerns and strive for a more equitable distribution of resources to promote inclusive development and national integration?
[1] Yakasai, S. T. (2023). Emi-Lokan or Lagos-Lakon? [Facebook post]. [2] TheCable (2023). Tinubu's alleged regional bias: A former aide speaks out [Online article]. [3] Premium Times (2023). Kwankwaso warns against regional inequality in Tinubu's administration [Online article]. [4] Sahara Reporters (2023). Infrastructure neglect in the North: A growing concern [Online article]. [5] Vanguard (2023). Yakasai: Tinubu acting like president of Lagos, not Nigeria [Online article].
- Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former advisor to the ex-Kano State governor, questions President Bola Tinubu's allegiance, suggesting he is acting more as the president of Lagos than Nigeria, in a Facebook post titled "Emi-Lokan or Lagos-Lakon?"
- Political analysts and figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor, echo Yakasai's concerns over the excessive allocation of resources to Lagos, pointing to infrastructure projects such as the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the $651 million 7th Axial Road.
- Yakasai argues that, if resources were distributed more equitably across states, states like Kano could become economically viable, as opposed to facing ongoing underdevelopment and neglect, while a lack of federal investments exacerbates insecurity and poverty in some regions.
- Critics continue to speak out against the perceived favoritism towards Lagos, highlighting concerns over equity, fairness, and justice across Nigeria, and questioning whether Tinubu is acting as President of Nigeria or simply of Lagos.
- As discussions about Tinubu's potential re-election bid in 2027 continue, the question remains whether he will address these criticisms and strive for a more equitable distribution of resources to promote inclusive development and national integration.
