By Emma Ogoigbe – Warri
Elder statesman and retired Air Vice-Marshal Frank Ajobena has attributed many of Nigeria’s governance challenges to what he describes as the actions of a narrow group of political elites in the North, warning that the issues must be addressed comprehensively.
Ajobena, who served as the first military administrator of Abia State, argued that certain power blocs within the region have historically leveraged religion and notions of regional unity to entrench political influence. He stressed that his remarks were directed at political actors, not ordinary citizens.
According to him, “Some elite groups have perfected tactics that allow them to maintain dominance in national politics,” adding that the situation has distorted both northern and southern political dynamics.
The retired AVM also urged southern leaders to deepen their understanding of northern political structures, saying misconceptions have long hindered national cohesion. He reiterated his long-standing view that the idea of a single monolithic North has often been used by political actors to intimidate or outmaneuver southern politicians.
Ajobena further argued that many ordinary northerners, particularly Hausa communities, have been constrained by long-standing political arrangements that do not always reflect their interests. He called for efforts that would enable greater political inclusion and autonomy across all northern groups.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajobena said achieving a more equitable federation requires honest dialogue and a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s regional complexities.
