Former Nigerian First Lady Maryam Abacha has urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious scholars, women’s groups, and youth organisations across Northern Nigeria to adopt a coordinated and constructive approach in engaging the Federal Government on the region’s pressing challenges.
In a statement issued from Paris, Mrs Abacha stressed the need for sustained and legitimate dialogue to address insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship in the North. She warned against the use of abusive language and derogatory remarks in public discourse, saying such conduct undermines governance and weakens efforts at meaningful engagement.
“The use of invective against leaders does not serve the interests of the ordinary citizen; rather, it weakens governance structures,” she said. “What is required is constructive engagement, accompanied by prayers and a sincere articulation of the people’s challenges in a manner that promotes unity and collective advancement.”
Drawing from her experience as a former First Lady, Mrs Abacha emphasised the importance of using established institutional channels to communicate public concerns. She called on Northern traditional rulers to close ranks and engage the Federal Government through appropriate mechanisms on pressing challenges confronting the region.
She further urged inclusive participation, calling on women’s groups, business leaders, the organised private sector, youth organisations, academics, religious scholars, and security personnel of Northern origin to unite and form a common platform for dialogue with the Federal Government. She argued that sustained and coordinated pressure through legitimate channels could compel government action, particularly on insecurity and underdevelopment.
“After presenting grievances, prayers should follow. Let there be supplication, patriotism, and then structured engagement with government,” she added.
Mrs Abacha also urged public office holders at all levels—federal, state, and local—to govern with justice, equity, and a strong sense of national responsibility. She expressed concern over what she described as stronger cohesion among stakeholders in Southern Nigeria in advancing shared interests, urging Northern leaders to emulate similar unity and strategic engagement.
She further called on the Federal Government to prioritise youth welfare by addressing unemployment and insecurity to improve socio-economic conditions and national stability.
Mrs Abacha said her appeal was made in her capacity as a mother to all Nigerians, aimed at promoting fairness, unity, and social cohesion. “I made this appeal in the interest of national harmony. Those who may be uncomfortable with my remarks should recognise that truth can sometimes be difficult to accept,” she said.
She concluded with prayers for peace, stability, and unity in Nigeria.
