Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical juncture, and President Bola Tinubu faces a daunting task: supervising the state apparatus in most, if not all, northern states to ensure that the fruits of democracy reach the ordinary citizens. It is not enough to simply allocate federal funds to governors; these funds must trickle down to the people who need them the most.

Many governors in the northern states have developed a troubling pattern: when federal allocations arrive, they are often misappropriated or poorly managed, leaving the citizens to fend for themselves. When complaints arise, these governors offer temporary relief in the form of “palliatives” [/b]rather than establishing lasting structures that empower citizens for life. This short-term approach does little to address the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and underdevelopment.

President Tinubu must recognize that unless his administration actively solves these problems, the cycle will continue. [b]Citizens in these states are increasingly vocal about their plight, and in response, governors often shift the blame to the president, avoiding accountability for their own failures. This blame game is detrimental to the democratic process and hinders true progress.

Every state, particularly those in the north, must understand that their governors are equally accountable for the welfare of their people. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo set a precedent by going after corrupt governors like Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Joshua Dariye, and Ayodele Fayose, demonstrating that checks and balances are essential for good governance. Tinubu must follow this example and hold northern governors to the same standard.

The reality is stark: many northern governors come to Abuja to wine and dine with President Tinubu, giving the impression of solidarity. However, this camaraderie does not translate into effective governance at the state level. Instead, many of these governors are more focused on lining their pockets than on conveying Tinubu’s message of development and democracy to their citizens.

President Tinubu must take a proactive stance. Supervision and oversight are crucial. The federal government must not only allocate funds but also ensure that these funds are used effectively. This could involve setting up monitoring committees, increasing transparency, and implementing stringent measures to prevent corruption. Additionally, there should be a push for sustainable development projects that empower citizens, such as improved education systems, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects that create jobs and stimulate local economies.

True democracy is not just about elections and federal allocations; it is about improving the lives of every Nigerian. President Tinubu has the opportunity to transform the northern states by ensuring that governors are held accountable and that the proceeds of democracy reach the grassroots. The people deserve more than palliatives; they deserve a government that works for them and with them to build a brighter future.

Tinubu’s legacy will be defined by his ability to enforce accountability and transparency at all levels of government. The northern states are crying out for leadership that genuinely cares for their welfare. It is time for President Tinubu to step up and ensure that the proceeds of democracy are not just allocated but are truly felt by every Nigerian, especially those in the north. The governors must know that their actions are under scrutiny and that they are accountable to both the president and their citizens. Only then can we achieve the Nigeria we all aspire to.

President Tinubu has a golden opportunity to reshape the narrative in the north. It's high time he takes the reins and demands accountability from those governors who seem to have forgotten their primary duties. Federal funds should not just be figures on paper; they must translate into real change for the people. Let's hope he implements those monitoring committees and pushes for sustainable projects. True democracy thrives when the citizens feel the impact of governance, not just during elections but every single day.

For those who don't have the patience to read the long post, here is a summary:

Nigeria's northern states are facing a governance crisis. Despite federal funds being allocated to these states, the majority of citizens are not benefiting. Governors in the region are accused of mismanaging funds, offering only temporary relief to the public rather than addressing the root causes of poverty and underdevelopment.

President Tinubu is urged to take a more active role in overseeing these states. This includes holding governors accountable for the welfare of their citizens, similar to how former President Obasanjo handled corrupt governors. By implementing stricter monitoring, preventing corruption, and promoting sustainable development projects, Tinubu can ensure that federal funds are used effectively and that the benefits reach the people who need them most.

Ultimately, the success of Nigeria's democracy depends on the government's ability to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of its citizens, especially in marginalized regions.
Key issues:
* Mismanagement of funds by northern governors
* Lack of accountability and transparency
* Need for effective oversight and monitoring
* Importance of sustainable development projects

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