Former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has criticized northern leaders for the region’s underdevelopment and called on Nigerians to back President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform initiatives awaiting legislative approval.
Speaking at a town hall meeting for Christian leaders in northern Nigeria, themed “Church and Society: Tax Reforms and Matters Arising,” Dogara highlighted governance failures and the mismanagement of opportunities by northern leaders over the past four decades.
He argued that these leaders, not President Tinubu or the South, are responsible for the North’s current struggles with poverty and stagnation.
Dogara urged northerners to avoid blaming Tinubu for the region’s challenges, stating, “President Tinubu and the South are not our enemies.
“Northerners ruled this country for over 40 years, yet the North remains impoverished. We must face the reality that our leaders failed us.”
Reflecting on past leadership, he noted instances when northerners held key government positions, including the presidency, Senate presidency, speakership, security leadership, and major roles in the NNPCL.
Despite this dominance, he pointed out, the region saw little improvement.
“We had it all—yet the North didn’t progress. The problem lies with our leaders, not outsiders,” Dogara asserted, emphasizing the need for accountability and better governance within the region.
Discussing the federal allocations and VAT revenues received by northern states, Dogara questioned their utilization, accusing governors of wasting resources that could have been used for development.
He also criticized the abandonment of projects like the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, which was nearly completed during the Shagari administration but left to deteriorate.
Dogara expressed strong support for Tinubu’s tax reforms, highlighting that Nigeria’s outdated tax laws hinder foreign investments.
“We must modernize our tax system if we want to attract investors.
“This is at the heart of President Tinubu’s reforms, and we should all support it,” he concluded.
