North Stands with Tinubu—Gombe Governor Hails Progress on Infrastructure, Security, and Reforms

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum has reaffirmed Northern Nigeria’s unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing notable advancements in infrastructure, security, and economic reforms.

Speaking in Kaduna at the opening of a two-day interactive session organized by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Yahaya said the event, themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,” was a crucial platform for enhancing democratic accountability and evaluating the federal government’s performance.

“This isn’t about empty talk,” Yahaya stated. “It’s a critical moment to assess how far we’ve come since the 2023 campaign promises.”

He recalled that candidate Tinubu made direct commitments to the North, which responded with overwhelming support—delivering over 60% of the votes. Yahaya asserted that the region is already reaping the benefits of that support, citing key ongoing projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway, the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, and oil exploration at the Kolmani Oil Fields.

“These projects demonstrate that when leaders stay true to their promises and citizens remain engaged, democracy delivers results,” he said.

The governor also mentioned upcoming and ongoing infrastructure developments, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, enhanced road connectivity between states, agricultural value chain initiatives, and improvements in healthcare delivery—all aimed at boosting the North’s socioeconomic status.

On the security front, Yahaya highlighted significant gains, noting that over 300 bandit and terrorist leaders have been neutralized due to more coordinated military action and improved intelligence. “While we still face challenges, the siege on our communities is gradually lifting,” he said.

He praised the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a transformative step to modernize the livestock sector and ease longstanding herder-farmer tensions. He also acknowledged the federal government’s efforts on education and youth development, especially initiatives addressing the Almajiri system and the out-of-school children crisis.

Addressing recent economic policies such as subsidy removal and currency liberalization, Governor Yahaya admitted they brought hardship but insisted they are essential for long-term stability. “These are difficult but necessary decisions,” he noted.

He urged leaders across the North—governors, traditional rulers, religious figures, and the private sector—to support federal efforts by initiating strong local programs in education, infrastructure, and social welfare.

“As we move toward 2027, we must judge this administration based on performance. By that measure, President Tinubu deserves our continued support,” Yahaya stated.

Invoking the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Yahaya emphasized the enduring need for unity between the North and Southwest, describing the alliance as more than political—it is a cornerstone of national cohesion.

In closing, he stressed the importance of sustained dialogue between the government and citizens, affirming that meaningful democratic progress depends on transparent, ongoing engagement. The session brought together stakeholders from across the North, including civil society groups, youth leaders, traditional authorities, and government officials, and will continue with panel discussions aimed at deepening participatory governance.