Prof. Sani Abubakar Lugga, the 5th Wazirin Katsina, has urged the northern region to unite and prepare for self-determination, mirroring efforts made by southern groups advocating for separation from Nigeria.
During a community engagement event hosted by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Katsina, Lugga emphasized the importance of northerners readying themselves for the potential breakup of the country. He pointed to the ongoing calls for secession in the South as a serious indicator that the North must take proactive steps to protect its interests.
Lugga expressed disappointment over the lack of unity among northern communities in defending their rights, contrasting it with the resolve shown by groups like the Biafrans. He encouraged the North to adopt measures similar to those taken in southern states, particularly regarding security. While the southern regions have established security outfits like Amotekun to tackle local challenges, he noted, the North remains largely passive despite facing greater security concerns.
Drawing on historical context, Lugga reflected on the apprehensions of Nigeria’s early leaders concerning the amalgamation of the North and South, asserting that the union is still fragile. He cautioned that if the South were to successfully secede, the North might struggle to survive without sufficient preparation.
CNG’s National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, also spoke at the event, underscoring the need for community-driven efforts to address Nigeria’s socioeconomic and security issues. He criticized national leadership for focusing more on elections than on securing the country’s future and called on northern communities to take control of their destiny through collective action.