2027: Potential Alternatives if Tinubu Falters – AYCF

2027: Potential Alternatives if Tinubu Falters – AYCF President Yerima

 

The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum AYCF, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, has expressed concerns over the growing discontent in northern Nigeria regarding the current administration’s policies. In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, Yerima highlighted critical issues such as the perception of the north’s opposition to the tax reform bill, the shortcomings in governance, and the need for a more inclusive and transparent approach to policy implementation.

 

 

 

Northern Reactions to Tax Reforms

 

Yerima addressed the widespread backlash against the Tinubu-led government’s tax reform bill, clarifying that the northern region is not inherently opposed to taxation. He attributed the negative reactions to poor communication and the lack of proper consultation with the public.

 

“The tax reform bills depend on how individuals or certain interests perceive them. But for us, the government could have done better,” Yerima noted. While acknowledging that taxation is a critical revenue stream for national development, he criticised the presentation of the reforms, which he believes were politicised and made to appear anti-north.

 

He suggested that the government could have avoided the uproar by prioritising consultations through elected representatives in the National Assembly. These lawmakers could then engage their constituencies, ensuring the reforms were understood and accepted. “This way, the bill will enjoy the deserved legitimacy,” Yerima added. He commended the eventual consensus between the executive and legislative arms to address the bill’s grey areas, but he argued that the initial controversy was unnecessary.

 

 

 

Economic Mismanagement at the State Level

 

Yerima did not shy away from criticising some state governors for their dependence on federal allocations. According to him, many governors lack creativity and initiative in generating revenue, preferring instead to enrich themselves and their cronies. He argued that a more decentralised federal structure would encourage states to become self-sufficient, fostering productivity and development.

 

 

 

High Expectations and Northern Frustrations with Tinubu

 

Turning to broader issues, Yerima reflected on the disappointment felt by many in the north over the Tinubu administration. He noted that the expectations were particularly high following the Buhari administration, which, according to him, brought little to the region during its eight-year tenure.

 

“People had hoped Tinubu, with his democratic credentials and understanding of Nigeria’s challenges, would address the issues decisively,” Yerima said. However, he acknowledged the daunting challenges Tinubu inherited, stating, “The situation was very bad. Everybody knew that whoever succeeded Buhari would go through a rough path.”

 

Yerima pointed out that while reforms take time to yield results, the government must implement policies with cushioning effects to mitigate public suffering. “People have suffered enough. The implementation of policies should not add to their hardship unnecessarily,” he warned.

 

 

 

A Call for Patience and a Warning for the Future

 

Despite the dissatisfaction, AYCF President urged patience, stating that Tinubu still has an opportunity to make meaningful changes within the remaining years of his tenure. “The North is angry with the government, but the government still has another opportunity in less than two years to turn things around,” he said.

 

He cautioned that if Tinubu fails to implement policies that positively impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians, northern stakeholders would have no choice but to seek alternatives. “If he doesn’t do anything that will positively impact the lives of the people, some of us can gang up against him and put our votes where we know we can get better treatment,” Yerima declared, adding that all options would be considered before deciding on the region’s political direction.

 

 

A Cautious Optimism

 

While the northern region’s dissatisfaction with Tinubu is palpable, Yerima maintained that it is too early to write off the administration entirely. He urged the president to seize the opportunity to regain trust by addressing insecurity, economic hardship, and other pressing issues.

 

The AYCF president concluded with a note of cautious optimism: “Let us give him some benefit of the doubt and encourage him. The journey is rough, but there is still time for Tinubu to deliver.”