Northern States Hit Hard by Hunger Protests: Is It Really About the Southern President?

EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has taken a devastating toll on the northern region, leading to significant loss of life and extensive damage to both private and public properties. Once a peaceful demonstration, the protest has been overtaken by individuals using it as a cover for criminal activities. This situation has prompted several northern states, including Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, Yobe, and Plateau, to enforce curfews in an attempt to control the chaos.

While some believe that the unrest in the North is fueled by discontent over a Southern president, others argue that regional animosities and political dynamics are playing a larger role. Yaya Oseni, a notable commentator, asserts that the Northern region’s dissatisfaction stems from the fact that the current president hails from the South.

“The North is not pleased with having a Southerner as president,” Oseni said. He pointed out that the region also vehemently protested against former President Goodluck Jonathan, another Southern leader. “We saw similar unrest during Jonathan’s presidency. This protest is more intense in the North than in the South for clear reasons,” he added. Oseni lamented the ongoing regional divide, stating, “It is unfortunate that after 64 years of independence, we still don’t see ourselves as one Nigeria.”

Similarly, Lawal Sharifdeen echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the North’s reaction is partly driven by a sense of loss of political power. “The North is struggling to stay influential. They seem unwilling to accept a Southern president,” Sharifdeen said.

In contrast, Sadeeq Kabir countered these views, arguing that the notion of the North’s dissatisfaction with a Southern president is misguided. “During the 2023 presidential elections, the North voted overwhelmingly for Tinubu,” Kabir noted. “We supported him based on his abilities and leadership qualities, not his region. It’s inaccurate to claim that the North is unhappy with a Southern leader when we gave him the highest number of votes.”

Despite the curfews and efforts to restore order, the hunger protest continues in states like Lagos and Rivers, revealing ongoing regional tensions and dissatisfaction.

This situation underscores the complex interplay of regional, political, and social factors influencing the current unrest in Nigeria.