Bwala Urges President Tinubu to Address Northern Perceptions of Discontent

Daniel Bwala, a former aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns about the growing perception that President Bola Tinubu harbors animosity towards northern Nigeria. Bwala suggested that some influential figures within the president’s inner circle may be inadvertently fueling this narrative, which he believes could harm the relationship between Tinubu and the northern region.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Bwala emphasized that Tinubu does not, in fact, hate the northern region, nor does the North harbor any ill will toward the president. “The president @officialABAT does not hate Northern Nigeria; neither does the North hate President Tinubu,” Bwala asserted. He further claimed that certain individuals around the president may be playing a role in creating or exacerbating this misconception.

Bwala’s remarks came in the wake of significant public controversy regarding the recent arraignment of protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement. Among the detainees were minors, many of whom were reportedly malnourished, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for their immediate release. The protests had been organized by a group demanding better governance and accountability from the government, with demonstrators expressing frustration over the country’s economic and social challenges.

In response to the outcry, President Tinubu on Monday intervened, directing the immediate release of all detained protesters. The move was seen as an attempt to calm public anger and restore confidence in his administration’s commitment to human rights. However, the incident sparked a wider debate about the treatment of dissent in the country and whether the government was becoming increasingly intolerant of protest movements.

Bwala took this moment to call for a more nuanced approach in engaging with the northern elites. He urged President Tinubu to adopt what he described as an “unconventional approach” in his dealings with northern powerbrokers. “Mr. President is urged to use unconventional approach in engaging with the northern elites, because it may appear the conventional access is being manipulated,” Bwala wrote. His statement suggests that traditional channels of communication may not be sufficient or effective in addressing concerns within the northern power structure.

The former aide’s comments underscore growing concerns within the northern political elite about how they are being perceived and treated by the current administration. There have been reports of some northern leaders feeling sidelined or excluded from key decision-making processes, leading to frustrations that could affect the president’s standing in the region. Bwala’s suggestion points to the importance of restoring trust and fostering stronger relationships with influential northern figures to avoid any alienation.

While the northern region has historically been a key power base in Nigerian politics, the dynamics of the region’s relationship with Tinubu’s government appear to be evolving. Bwala’s call for a more “unconventional” engagement strategy highlights the complexities of balancing regional interests in a diverse country like Nigeria. He argues that if the perception of discontent in the North is not addressed, it could have long-term political implications for the president and his administration.

Bwala’s remarks are indicative of wider debates within the political class about the challenges faced by President Tinubu’s government, especially in terms of managing regional relationships and public opinion. As tensions rise over governance issues and protests, it remains to be seen whether the president will take Bwala’s advice and adjust his approach to better engage with the northern elite and the broader population.