Northern Nigerian Blackout: An Open Letter to Mr. President and Northern Nigerian Leaders

Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Northern Nigeria's Leaders: A Call for Urgent Action - Haruna Abubakar Bebeji 

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors,

The Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, 

Northern Nigerian Governors, 

The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau I. Jibrin, 

Legislators in the National Assembly, 

Senators, and Members of the State House of Assemblies,

As citizens of Northern Nigeria, we feel compelled to reach out to you during this crisis, as our region plunges into darkness, not just in terms of electricity, but in the very essence of our livelihoods and dignity. We have been without electricity for over a week, and this prolonged blackout is a glaring testament to the neglect and failures that have left us in an untenable situation.

While we hold great respect for your office, President Tinubu, we must remind you that it was our votes that propelled you to the presidency. Yet here we are, witnessing the deterioration of our basic living conditions while waiting in vain for solutions. This letter serves not only as a lament but as a call to action—for all leaders to recognize the gravity of the circumstances we face.

The Impact of Continued Darkness:

Food Security in Crisis: Many households are unable to grind food staples, leaving families without essential ingredients. The grinding machines are silent, creating a ripple effect that endangers the very foundation of our food security.

Healthcare Paralysis: Government hospitals are shutting down. Patients are left to suffer, and the most vulnerable—pregnant women and the critically ill—are now in jeopardy. We can only wonder how many lives have been lost due to the absence of electricity in healthcare facilities where life-saving machines cannot operate.

An Unbearable Financial Burden: The poor are caught in a relentless cycle of despair. The cost of diesel for generators has skyrocketed; as a result, many cannot afford to seek medical attention. The scant resources that are available are wasted, with impossible choices forced upon our people.

Unraveling of Economic Stability: Artisans and small business owners—who form the backbone of our economy—are grappling with intensified poverty and unemployment. This situation breeds insecurity, as desperation turns to anger and hopelessness.

Food Spoilage and Financial Loss: Refrigerated foods and essential medicines are spoiling, leading to a staggering loss for traders and families alike. The financial strain only exacerbates our already dire circumstances.

In this dark hour, we cannot remain silent. Our patience has been tested too much and for too long. We call upon you and all who hold power—from local councils to the National Assembly—to prioritize a solution. Return the light to our homes and stability to our lives.

A Call for Action:

We demand a prompt, actionable plan to restore electricity in Northern Nigeria. This involves a thorough evaluation of our electrical infrastructure, transparent accountability from power distribution companies, and a commitment to addressing these systemic failures.

Enough is enough! We cannot afford to sit on this ticking time bomb any longer. This is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership and genuine concern for your constituents. Prove that our voices matter and that our struggles will no longer be ignored.

Let this be the last time we find ourselves in this precarious situation. The well-being of millions hangs in the balance, and history will judge us for inaction in the face of adversity. The time for words has passed; we demand action, now.

Sincerely,

Haruna Abubakar Bebeji, 

A Concerned Northerner and Aggrieved Nigerian