Date: 2012-04-23

Former Nigeria's ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, Professor Salihu Suleiman, has lamented what he called the absence of caring governments in the 19 northern states of the country.

Professor Suleiman made his position known in a paper entitled, "Ilorin and Northern Nigeria: Assessment of Growth and Stagnation– 1945–2012, delivered at a forum organized by Ilorin Solidarity Club which had the former Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Saka Yusuf as its president.

He express the opinion that the northern states are now bereft of leaders like the late premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto who he said, served his people, "selflessly and responsibly".
According to him, the late Sardauna of Sokoto established many industrial and economic giants such as Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and other social welfare institutions, adding that, "he died without even a decent house for his family".

The scholar stressed the need for the present leaders of the area to change their attitude if they were to make their marks and as well provide employment for their teeming unemployed people. He posited that: "The problems of Northern Nigeria are many and we cannot fold our hands and see the likely consequences of our in-action."

While noting that dishonesty and lack of integrity in public offices have become virtues rather than vices, Professor Suleiman posited that, "a constitutional review of governments in all the northern states is imperative." He called for the resuscitation of Public Works Departments in the region, while less reliance should be placed on contract jobs.

The retired don also canvassed roles for traditional rulers in the administration of the northern states and the constitution of a council of elders who were non-politicians to assist the monarchs and the government.