•Tinubu’s leadership showing results — Northern forum
•Nigeria must heal to move forward— Fasoranti
By Bukola Olamona
A new wave of reconciliation and bridge-building is emerging across Nigeria’s political landscape as northern elders and leaders of thought have opened fresh dialogue with their southern counterparts on national healing and cooperation.
This renewed push was demonstrated in Akure, the Ondo State capital, when members of the Northern Bridge Builders Forum, led by Senator Joel Dantami, visited Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to foster unity and express confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Dantami said the group’s mission was to douse regional suspicions and rebuild trust between the North and the South, insisting that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity.
“We have allowed too much division to thrive. It is time to heal old wounds and focus on progress. Our visit is not political; it is about national survival. Nigeria must move beyond suspicion and rivalry,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu for what he described as decisive leadership and courage in implementing economic reforms, saying the government had demonstrated genuine commitment to repositioning the country.
“Our economy is stabilising, and the President has shown uncommon sacrifice. These are signs of leadership we must rally behind. It’s time to support him to succeed,” Dantami said.
The senator also urged northern politicians to respect the principles of fairness and balance in the country’s power structure, warning against a return to divisive politics ahead of 2027.
“The North has led for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The conscience of the nation demands that we support power to remain in the South for now. That is justice, and justice sustains peace,” he added.
Responding on behalf of Pa Fasoranti, the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae, described the visit as symbolic and timely, coming at a period when Nigeria needed sincere dialogue and cooperation more than ever.
He said Fasoranti had long advocated national consensus through bridge-building, adding that unity remained the only path to stability and growth.
“This visit is more than a courtesy; it is a statement of hope. Nigeria has over 400 ethnic groups, and none must be left behind. True leadership is about inclusion and empathy,” he said.
Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, recalled that similar bridge-building efforts in the past helped the country navigate difficult transitions, stressing that dialogue remained the strongest tool for peace.
“We once formed what we called ‘The Bridge’ committees to resolve national disputes by consensus. It worked then and can still work now if we are honest with ourselves,” he stated.
He added that the nation’s vast human and natural resources could only translate into prosperity through sustained peace and mutual trust.
“God blessed this country abundantly, but unless we cooperate, our resources will remain sources of conflict rather than development. If we unite, Nigeria’s best is still ahead,” he said.
The Northern Bridge Builders delegation commended Fasoranti and the Afenifere leadership for their long-standing commitment to national dialogue and pledged to continue similar engagements across the six geopolitical zones to reinforce unity and restore national confidence.