Debunking the Falsehoods and Blackmail of Kwankwasiyya Groups Regarding Atiku’s Contributions to the Development of the North and Nigeria

By Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar

In an attempt to defend the political missteps of Rabiu Kwankwaso, who acted against the interests of Arewa and Nigeria by choosing to divide the opposition in 2027, pro-Kwankwasiyya groups are attempting to exploit the perceived naivety of the Gen Z generation. They have resorted to spreading falsehoods against Atiku Abubakar, questioning his contributions to the North.

Challenge accepted. Below are several key contributions of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar to the development of Arewa, both as a Vice President and as a private citizen.

Politics may involve sharp exchanges, but facts and history must not be overshadowed by campaign rhetoric. Atiku Abubakar has made tangible, verifiable contributions across the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central regions, impacts that continue to benefit our people long after his time in office.

Dear Rabiu Kwankwaso, no amount of blackmail can convince the people of Arewa to abandon their proud son, Atiku Abubakar, in favor of your political maneuvers. Allow me to respectfully set the record straight with concrete examples.

- Infrastructure Facilitation for the North

As Vice President (1999–2007), Atiku attracted and supported critical federal projects, particularly in his home region and throughout the North:

1. Yola Airport: Upgraded to international status.

2. Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yola: Established to improve regional healthcare.

3. Power Infrastructure: Facilitated electricity transmission linking Gombe through Adamawa to Jalingo.

4. Road Networks: Facilitated numerous projects in Adamawa, including the Yola–Mubi road and the Ganye axis.

5. Northwest Development: During his administration, the Federal Government committed over ₦83 billion to projects across the Northwest zone.

6. Asphalt Road Construction: Secured the construction of roads from Yola to Mubi.

7. Connecting Rural Communities: Facilitated tarred roads from Jabbi-Lamba to Malabu and Belel.

8. Regional Connectivity: Secured road construction from Ganye to Toungo and Jamtari, as well as from Jada to Kojoli.

9. Bridge Construction: Built bridges along the Mayo-Belwa, Jada, and Ganye road axes.

10. Technical Education: Established the Federal Technical College, Watu, in Michika LGA.

11. Energy Logistics: Facilitated the laying of underground petroleum pipelines from Port Harcourt to the NNPC Depot in Yola.

12. Water Projects: Brought the CGC water project to his hometown, Jada.

13. Healthcare Access: Launched the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Jada and Yola.

14. Telecommunications: Atiku was instrumental in bringing GSM mobile communication to Arewa and Nigeria at large

- Security:

Civilian JTF: In 2014, during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis, Atiku spent nearly ₦1 billion of his personal funds to help establish the Civilian JTF. These individuals were familiar with the local terrain and Boko Haram tactics, assisting security forces in reclaiming territory from terrorists.

- Education and Human Capital Revolution

Atiku’s most transformative legacy lies in education:

1. Foundational Schooling: Built four primary schools and the Government Science Secondary School in Jada.

2. Scholarship Foundations: Established a foundation for the less privileged in Jada and sponsors indigent students from every LGA in Adamawa State to attend university for free annually.

3. American University of Nigeria (AUN): Founded in Yola in 2005, this world-class institution is a beacon of excellence in the Northeast, creating hundreds of jobs and producing globally competitive graduates.

4. Northern Education Programme (NEP): Financed this initiative at Arewa House, which held Northern governors accountable through education summits, leading to doubled enrollment rates across multiple states.

5. Humanitarian Scholarships: Provided: countless scholarships to indigent students and victims of the Chibok abduction.

- Economic Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation

As the head of the National Economic Council during his tenure:

1. Debt Relief: Led the successful efforts for the repayment and cancellation of Nigeria’s foreign debts.

2. Privatization Policy: Spearheaded the privatization policy that empowered major Nigerian entrepreneurs, including Dangote, Otedola, and the Transcorp Group.

3. Wealth Creation: Transferred dormant government assets to private investors, increasing national wealth and creating thousands of jobs.

4. Telecom Revolution: Led the sale of the defunct NITEL, paving the way for the GSM revolution in Nigeria.

5. Private Sector Investment: Built thriving businesses in Adamawa, including Adamawa Beverages, Atiku Farms, Adama Plastic, Chicken Cottage, and an animal feed mill, reducing youth unemployment.

6. Standard Microfinance Bank: Established this institution in Yola to fight poverty by extending credit to SMEs, women, and youths.

7. Trade Support: Established a foundation specifically to support traders and farmers in the Yola region.

- Political Unity and the Birth of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)

1. Regional Unity: As the highest-ranking Northerner in the 1999 government, he initiated the reconciliation efforts that birthed the ACF, giving Arewa a cohesive voice.

2. Reception 2000: Organized this landmark event in Kaduna, bringing together leaders from all sectors to reposition the North.

3. Defending Democracy: Led the struggle to stop the "Third Term Agenda." Without his opposition to that constitutional breach, today's leaders, including Sen. Rabi'u Kwankwaso, might never have had the opportunity to serve.

Philanthropy Across the North

Through the Atiku Care Foundation:

1.Provided support for orphans, IDPs, and persons with disabilities.

2. Maintains active structures in the Northwest, including 144 local government executives in Kaduna State alone.

3. Donated ₦50 million to IDPs in Benue State during times of severe insecurity.

These are not mere claims; they are documented initiatives rooted in Atiku’s private resources and public service. While no leader is perfect, dismissing these efforts ignores the visible footprints he has left in the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central regions.

The North deserves leaders who build institutions, create opportunities, and foster unity, not those who rely on temporary jabs. As a proud son of Arewa, I urge that our political discourse prioritizes regional development over partisan rhetoric. Atiku remains committed to the progress of the entire North and Nigeria at large.

Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar

(Concerned Arewa Youth / Supporter of Good Governance)

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