Baba Sule Lamido, a prominent political figure and elder statesman, has expressed deep disappointment over recent actions by the son of President Bola Tinubu, who visited Sokoto and Kano to distribute cooked rice to residents.
In a statement released today, Lamido described the gesture as a "disgrace" to the people of Arewa and their ancestors, arguing that it undermines the dignity and values of the region.The controversial act, which saw Tinubu’s son distributing the prepared meal in several communities, has drawn sharp criticism from political and social leaders in Northern Nigeria. Lamido, who has been vocal on various national issues, said that the move was an insult to the people of Sokoto and Kano, who have long prided themselves on their resilience and self-sufficiency.
“It’s a disgrace to Arewa and our fathers that the son of the president came to Sokoto and Kano to share cooked rice,” Lamido stated in his remarks. “We have a rich history of hospitality, self-reliance, and integrity. This type of gesture only diminishes our pride and the legacy of our forefathers who fought for our dignity and independence.”
The criticism stems from Lamido's belief that distributing cooked food is an inappropriate way to engage with the people of the region, and that such actions reflect a lack of respect for the cultural and socio-economic values of the North. He further emphasized that the gesture could be seen as an attempt to garner political favor through charity, rather than addressing the root causes of poverty and unemployment that many in the region face.
While some have defended the initiative as a humanitarian effort, others, including political analysts and local community leaders, have expressed concerns that it may be viewed as a political maneuver designed to gain popularity in the region ahead of the next general elections.
The controversy surrounding the rice distribution continues to spark debates about the proper approach to engaging with the people of Northern Nigeria, as well as the broader issue of political patronage in the country. As the debate rages on, Lamido’s strong stance has added fuel to the fire, with many now calling for a more respectful and dignified approach to development and political engagement in the region.
The question remains: will such gestures be seen as mere political tools, or will they contribute to the real, lasting change that Northern Nigeria needs? The coming weeks are likely to see more voices weigh in on this issue.
