Gbenga Hashim, a presidential aspirant and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for urgent solutions. He emphasized the need to combat the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s Northern region.

Hashim shared his serious concerns in a statement released on Sunday in Kaduna.

He urged Northern political, traditional, and social elites to take full responsibility for the region’s current state. They must actively address the challenges faced by their communities.

Hashim welcomed the appointment of General Christopher Musa (retd.) as Minister of Defence. However, he insisted that this new role must deliver “practical results, not mere symbolism.”

“I watched General Musa’s Senate clearance session. He sounded truly committed to Nigeria’s progress,” Hashim stated. “I hope he receives full executive support for this vital assignment.”

He warned that Nigerians and international security observers are tired of empty promises. The nation has reached a critical point. Citizens now demand immediate and measurable interventions. These actions must end the widespread killings, kidnappings, and the expansion of extremist groups in the North.

Confronting Governance Failures

Hashim further argued that the North must address its internal governance failures. These failures have allowed extremist networks to recruit thousands of young people across the region.

“Extremists are finding recruits in their thousands, and this is no accident,” he explained. “It stems from deep poverty. Decades of governance failure at state and local government levels have caused this crisis.”

“While the Sahel crisis plays a role, poor local governance has greatly worsened the problem,” Hashim added.

A Call for Moral and Political Reset

Hashim contrasted the current insecurity and leadership crisis with the First Republic’s political culture. He described that era as disciplined and integrity-driven.

“In the days of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Aminu Kano, Joseph Tarka, and Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the North was safer,” he recalled. “It was more united and governed with honesty and discipline.”

“Today, too many of our leaders live like oil sheikhs,” Hashim lamented. “This happens even amidst mass poverty.”

He stressed that the region urgently needs a moral and political reset. Hashim called for a new generation of leaders. These leaders must be committed to accountability and the public good.

“It is time for the North to replace leaders. They live lavishly amidst poverty. They also cling to power through ethnic and religious manipulation,” Hashim concluded.