Elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai has faulted claims in some quarters that northern leaders should be held responsible for the backwardness of the country.
Yakassai said no one should blame northern elites as the cause of the many problems of Nigeria.
He was reacting to a recent statement by Emir of Kano State, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that northern leaders ruined the acclaimed giant of Africa.
Speaking with Punch, Yakassai said Sanusi cannot completely exonerate himself from the woes of Nigeria, having served as governor of the apex bank for years.
He said, “The deterioration of Nigeria’s situation is the collective responsibility of all Nigerian leaders, national, regional or state, as well as local government leaders.
“This is because the failure in Nigeria is that of leadership and if we can get it right in terms of correct leadership, Nigeria can overcome its problems. It wouldn’t have been in this mess in the first place.
“Nigerian leaders, not northern leaders, are to be held responsible for any setback this country has suffered.”
