The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has alleged that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is sidelining northerners residing in the state. Yerima Shettima, the National President of AYCF, accused Sanwo-Olu of an unfair distribution of resources in the state.
Shettima urged the governor to ensure that northerners receive fair representation in key positions within the government. In a statement he personally endorsed, Shettima emphasized that the failure to address these concerns could carry significant political consequences in the forthcoming elections.
According to Shettima, “The considerable Northern population in Lagos State anticipates receiving an equitable allocation of resources and development projects in areas where they are predominant. Nevertheless, the Northern communities in Lagos have been overlooked, with resources and projects disproportionately favoring Yoruba indigenes and residents.”
“In the March 2023 elections, Northern voters in Lagos put their trust in Sanwo-Olu, hoping that he would address their issues and lead them toward a secure and prosperous future. They believed that their votes would lead to a unified Lagos State where resources and appointments would be distributed fairly. However, several months into its inception, the administration has demonstrated a bias toward Yoruba regional interests,” Shettima added.