In a blistering critique of Northern Nigeria’s leadership structure, the former Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Haruna Jokolo, has called for an end to the “Northwest dominance” of the nation’s power corridors, arguing that the lopsided arrangement has historically marginalized the Northeast and stifled regional inclusivity.

Jokolo, who served as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Major General Muhammadu Buhari during his tenure as Military Head of State, made these disclosures in a wide-ranging Hausa interview obtained and translated by PRNigeria.

The retired military officer did not spare the region’s traditional elite, accusing the Sultan of Sokoto and the feuding Emirs of Kano of presiding over the “shameful decline” of Northern cultural and religious prestige through “hanky-panky” and a lack of patriotic direction.

The Northwest Question: “Are They the Only Ones?”

Jokolo questioned why the Northwest geopolitical zone has held a near-monopoly on Northern leadership since independence. He argued that the eight-year presidency of Muhammadu Buhari was a “missed opportunity” because it failed to reflect the diversity of the entire North.

“We missed the opportunity to earn the nation’s respect… because there was no adequate representation of all the zones,” Jokolo stated. He listed past leaders—Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna), Murtala Muhammed, Shehu Shagari, Muhammadu Buhari, and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua—all from the Northwest.

“Are they the only ones with leadership capabilities? We were just unfair to ourselves,” he remarked, suggesting that the success of the June 12 election would have balanced power by allowing a Northeasterner like Babagana Kingibe a clearer path to leadership.

“Gallivanting Sultan” and the Decay of Institutions

In his most severe criticism, Jokolo accused the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, of losing his relevance and becoming “subordinate to local government chairmen.” He alleged that the Sultanate has lost its historical authority to crown even village heads.

According to Jokolo, the Sultan has effectively “destroyed” key Northern bodies by creating the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, which he claimed is run by kinsmen and in-laws to sideline established institutions.

JNI & SCIA: He described the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs as “useless” and “comatose.”

ACF & NIREC: He claimed the Arewa Consultative Forum and the Nigerian Interreligious Council have lost their way, becoming platforms for “every man for himself.

“Instead of him to ponder and discuss with stakeholders on how to solve serious problems in our region, he keeps gallivanting,” Jokolo added.

The Kano Tussle: "A Mockery of the Throne”

Addressing the ongoing rivalry between Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero in Kano State, Jokolo described the presence of “two Emirs” as a religious and cultural mockery.

He questioned why two relatives from the same ruling house would allow themselves to be used as political pawns.

“If they are patriotic, can’t both of them vacate the seat for peace to reign? Must they lead?” he asked. He warned that the tussle Is a distraction from the North’s real crises, including street begging (Almajiri) and rampant drug abuse.

A Call to Return to Roots

Jokolo concluded by linking the regional crisis to a broader decline in competence compared to the era of the Sardauna. He Insisted that the North must stop blaming external forces and instead “interrogate itself.”

“Across the North, there is no cohesion, no unity, no direction. If we want to prosper, we must return to our roots,” he emphasized, reminding the feuding elite that ”power is ultimately divine” and not something to be fought over to the detriment of the people.

PRNigeria notes that his remarks add fresh intensity to ongoing debates about accountability, representation, and the future of leadership in Northern Nigeria. (PRNigeria)

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