The director of Human Rights FM Radio and founder of the Bereke Family Programme, Ahmad Isah, aka Ordinary President, has berated the leaders of Northern Nigeria for the ongoing poverty crisis in the region.
In a recent video broadcast, Ahmad expressed deep concern over the misappropriation of resources by Northern political and business elites, along with the alarming issues of street begging, drug abuse, and the societal ridicule faced by the region’s inhabitants.
He said, “Northern Nigeria is the most backward region in the country.” He aimed to provoke the conscience of Northern leaders, stating, “Am I lying? Irresponsible leaders have subjected the poor to extreme hardship in the North. You have squandered resources and failed to establish companies or initiate projects that would benefit the people.”
Also, he contrasted their bad situation with leaders in other regions, who actively invest in their communities. “What have you done for Northern Nigeria?” he questioned. “We Northerners make up a disproportionate number of street beggars, drug addicts, and those plagued by abject poverty.”
Ahmad underscored the shame that comes with being a Northerner when traveling to other areas of the country, noting that people often mockingly refer to Northerners as ‘Almajiri.’ “How can it be that Northerners are consistently impoverished and hold such a low social status of beggarly people? Our once-valued and respected people now struggle for recognition as responsible citizens.”
Moreover, motivated by a strong desire for change, Ahmad stressed that Northern Nigeria has yet to achieve any significant level of industrialization. “I speak to provoke action, to stir outrage, and inspire change. Northern leaders deliberately have divided us along tribal and religious lines, but what does that matter? Only God knows who is perfect among us.”
Despite the presence of wealthy individuals in the North, he lamented the persistence of poverty and neglect. “When I speak out, they say ‘Ordinary Ahmad’ lacks respect. But one should be guided by their conscience before God. Ogun State alone boasts more companies than the entirety of Northern Nigeria. It’s time to wake up and do what is right.”