By Our Political Correspondent

In a bold and strongly worded open letter that is already generating significant discussion within political circles, the Gombe State PDP Youth Leader and Chairman of the Forum of 36 States and FCT PDP Youth Leaders, Hon. Jamilu Ali Kalshingi, has called on Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya—who also serves as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum—to urgently rethink the leadership approach currently steering the northern region.

The letter, addressed directly to the Governor, expresses deep concern over what Kalshingi describes as a “disturbing shift from the values of unity, service, and collective good that once defined leadership across the North.” He laments the region’s declining security situation, growing poverty levels, and a perceived widening disconnect between elected leaders and the people.

Kalshingi reminds Governor Yahaya of the enormous responsibility placed upon him, both as a state chief executive and as head of the Northern Governors Forum. He notes that the North, once regarded as a united and peaceful region under a singular leadership structure, now faces mounting challenges that threaten the very fabric of its stability.

According to him, insecurity has taken a devastating toll on communities across northern Nigeria, with banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes becoming a daily reality. This, he says, has not only endangered lives but also crippled economic activities and widened social fractures.

The youth leader further expressed disappointment at the alarming rate of poverty sweeping across the region, arguing that despite its abundant resources, many northern citizens still struggle with basic needs such as education, healthcare, and employment. He attributes this situation to leadership approaches that often prioritize political maneuvers and personal interests over genuine development.

In the letter, Kalshingi invokes the vision of the North’s founding fathers—leaders who championed unity, selflessness, and public service. He urges Governor Yahaya to revive this legacy by leading the Northern Governors Forum with renewed transparency, accountability, and commitment to the people.

“You have a unique chance to rewrite history,” he asserts, calling on the Governor to galvanize his colleagues toward collective action aimed at restoring peace and prosperity to the region. He stresses that the future of the North depends heavily on the decisions being made today.

Kalshingi’s message ends with a powerful reminder of the mandate entrusted to elected leaders: “Let us work diligently to restore the North to its former glory—a place where integrity, service, and unity prevail.”

The open letter has quickly gained attention across Gombe State and beyond, with political observers noting that it reflects growing public concern over the region’s socio-economic decline. As the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, analysts say Governor Yahaya may now be under more pressure to respond decisively to the issues raised.

Whether this call will spark renewed collaboration and reform among northern governors remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the conversation has been ignited, and the expectations from the people are higher than ever.

By Our Correspondent

Prominent activist and commentator, Ibrahim Garba Wala (IG Wala), has raised a thought-provoking concern over the ongoing beautification projects in Gombe State under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, warning that such efforts could amount to “mere window dressing” if pressing issues of poverty and human capital development remain unaddressed.

In a strongly worded statement, Wala lamented that despite the billions of naira reportedly spent on beautification and infrastructure, many young girls aged between 13 and 17 can still be found roaming the streets of Gombe in the early hours of the day, desperately seeking casual farm jobs to support their families.

“Beautification of Gombe State will be a window dressing if young girls of 13 to 17 years of age are on the streets in the early hours of the day seeking who to offer them casual farm jobs daily for their families to survive,” he said.

Wala urged the governor to redirect a significant portion of government spending towards human capital development, stressing that empowering families through targeted interventions would have a more lasting impact than physical projects.

He also questioned the transparency and inclusiveness of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, which he said was worth ₦419 billion. According to him, there is little evidence on the ground in Gombe State to show who the actual beneficiaries of the scheme are.

“This brings us to the question: in Gombe State, who are the beneficiaries of the ₦419 billion Conditional Cash Transfers under the APC administration?” Wala asked.

The CCT programme, designed to provide stipends to the poorest and most vulnerable households across Nigeria, has faced repeated scrutiny over alleged lack of transparency, politicization, and uneven distribution of funds.

Analysts say Wala’s intervention echoes the concerns of many residents who argue that while physical infrastructure is important, tackling deep-rooted poverty, youth unemployment, and access to quality education remains central to sustainable development in Gombe State.

As the Yahaya administration continues its drive to transform Gombe into a model state in the Northeast, critics insist that the true measure of progress lies not in the number of beautified streets or roundabouts, but in how well the lives of ordinary citizens — particularly women, children, and vulnerable groups — are improved.

By Our Correspondent

The United States embassy in Nigeria has released a scathing report about Nigerian governors.

The US embassy accused governors of extravagant spending of public funds while citizens wallow in poverty.

The embassy stated this on Tuesday while sharing a report on the governors’ extravagant spending.

The report revealed how governors lavish billions on building or renovating government houses in the midst of the prevailing economic hardship plaguing the common man in the country.

It also said that while President Bola Tinubu asked Nigerians to endure the economic hardship resulting from his policies, the governors do not share in the sacrifice.

“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class.

“Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration approved N63.4bn for the renovation of the Government House, claiming it was an embarrassment and an unbefitting facility.

In Gombe, one of the poorest states in Nigeria, Governor Inuwa Yahaya committed N14.9bn for a new ultra-modern residence. Another N14.23bn is being spent on the House of Assembly complex,” the report read in part.

Reacting via its official X handle on Tuesday, the US embassy shared the link to the report alongside quotes from transparency and accountability advocacy groups.

“Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the embassy wrote.