Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said political leaders from northern Nigeria who have held office in the past two decades owe the region an apology for its deepening underdevelopment and poverty.

In an interview with Trust TV, Governor Sani criticised what he described as the self-serving nature of some political actors who attack government policies without acknowledging their own roles in systemic failures.

“Every democracy must allow criticism, but it must be constructive, and in the interest of the Nigerian people. That’s what we did as activists — not because we wanted power,” he said.

“But when you attack the government and you’ve been part of it… Anyone — like I said — who is from northern Nigeria and held a political office in the last 20 years, we all need to look at ourselves in the mirror and apologise to the people of northern Nigeria. We let them down.”

Governor Sani admitted he was part of the system and pointed to long-standing structural issues that have left northern Nigeria mired in poverty and social exclusion.

“The problems of northern Nigeria didn’t start two years ago,” he noted. “We’re talking about developments — or lack thereof — over the past 20 years. I chaired a committee on banking, so I know the poverty index of northern Nigeria. I know how many people, as we speak, are financially excluded.”

Citing social intervention spending under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Sani said massive funds were poured into the region but failed to yield results due to poor financial inclusion.

“Don’t forget, when Buhari was president — people forget this — he spent hundreds of billions on social interventions,” he said.

“But I’ll tell you why the north became poorer even after that. Because 70% of the population in northern Nigeria — especially the masses — were completely financially excluded.”

Sani argued that all leaders, including former senators, governors, ministers, and vice-presidents from the north, must accept their share of responsibility.

“If you’re a former senator, a former member of the House of Representatives, a former governor, a former minister, or even a former vice-president from northern Nigeria in the last 20 years — you’re part of the problem. All of us.”

Calling for a change in approach, he warned against deceiving citizens with false narratives and instead urged honest and ethical engagement with the region’s challenges.

“We must not deceive the people of northern Nigeria. We must not mislead them,” he said.

He, however, expressed respect for critics he views as principled and consistent.

“I’ve no problem with people criticising the government — people like Dan Bello Galadanchi. All those individuals, I can tell you, have the moral right to criticise this government. But those who were part of the rot and are now saying they’ve repented — please, I think that’s wrong.” (AriseNews TV)