By Dansu Peter
The group made its request during Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Minna, Niger State, where he attended an Iftar gathering with youths on Wednesday.
In a letter signed by its leader, Yahaya Mohammed Usman, Siyasar Yanci urged Mr. Tinubu to leverage his influence to facilitate the rehabilitation of Baro Port, the repair of dilapidated federal roads in the state, and the expansion of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, to include more conventional courses.
While acknowledging that Mr. Tinubu does not hold any public office, Usman emphasized that his influence could help lobby for the implementation of these demands.
“We thank you for the initiative to have Iftar with citizens across fasting Muslim communities in Nigeria. This effort is both innovative and commendable. Well done!”
“Beyond that, we recognize that while you do not hold any public office, no one can deny your influence. It is on this strong foundation that we kindly request your intervention in the following areas affecting Northern Nigeria, especially Niger State.”
The group outlined its demands as follows:
- Baro Port: Despite being commissioned, the port remains non-operational.
- Expansion of the Federal University of Technology, Minna: The group is seeking presidential approval to introduce medical, law, and social science courses, as well as establish a teaching hospital and a cancer center, similar to those at FUT Owerri and FUT Yola.
- Road networks: Niger State, which has the longest federal road network, is plagued by poor infrastructure. The group cited the recent tragedy on the Lambata-Lapai-Bida Road, where 12 lives were lost, including a man’s two wives and child. Other critical roads, such as Tegina-Makera-Mokwa and Minna-Kontagora, were also identified as being in deplorable condition.
- Appointments: The group lamented that no presidential aides had been appointed from Niger State and requested facilitation of such appointments, particularly for the youth.
The group concluded its appeal by expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, wishing him success in his tenure as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.