Sokoto youths fall out with Buhari over New Year speech, say zone marginalised

Some youth in Sokoto state have criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for not considering any tangible project for the three states that make up of the zone, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states in his ambitious new year’s plans. The youth took their anger to social media platforms such as Facebook , twitter and whatsapp and demanded […]

Some youth in Sokoto state have criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for not considering any tangible project for the three states that make up of the zone, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states in his ambitious new year’s plans.

The youth took their anger to social media platforms such as Facebook , twitter and whatsapp and demanded for an urgent redress.

One blogger, Na-Allah Zagga wrote, "Don’t be so partisan that you can brazenly defend injustice against the people of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States who feel righteously indignant at their apparent neglect in terms of federal projects and other infrastructure.

"So what if we have ministers each in this government? Does that mean we have no need of federal projects? Is there a State without a Minister, which by the way, is a constitutional entitlement and not a favour?" he asked

He maintained that "Genuine complaints are morally valid and speaking up is a duty. If your votes matter, then you should legitimately expect your interest to be protected. Hausawa sunce don lada ake salla!" [There’s an Hausa saying that you do things for the gain].

The President had in his over 30 minutes speech, outlined some of the projects to be cited in different geopolitical zones this year, and not a single project was earmarked for these three states.

Another blogger, Usman Binji said, "Some people believe its abomination to fault PMB, but we believed silence is not golden especially in Democratic setting. Actually, we need federal government presence in Sokoto and  the time to act is now or never.”