Sokoto Gov, 18 others meet in Kaduna to review strategies against insecurity
Sokoto Gov, 18 others meet in Kaduna to review strategies against insecurity
By Idun Maximus
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu and 18 other northern States’ governors on Saturday met over the troubling security challenges in the region.
AbeyaNews reports that members of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council comprising the Emirs and Chiefs from the region were part of the meeting with the Northern Governors’ Forum.
The meeting, Abeya News reports was an impressive outing as 14 of the 19 Northern governors were in attendance. Those in attendance include governors of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, Kaduna, Senator Uba Sani, Gombe, Muhammadu Yahaya, Jigawa, Umar Namadi, Kebbi, Nasir Idris, Adamawa, Ahmed Fintiri, Taraba, Kefas Agbu, Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule, and Yobe, Mai Malam Buni.
Others are Niger, Mohammed Bago, Sokoto, Ahmed Aliyu, Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, Katsina, Dikko Radda and, Ahmed Ododo.
Governors of Borno, Kwara, Kano, Benue and Bauchi were represented.
Speaking at the joint meeting of the Northern States Governors Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, said there is the need for collective action to drive regional development and tackle the troubling security challenges.
While expressing his condolences to the people of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe states over recent tragic killings, he urged the federal government to review security strategies, emphasizing the importance of synergy between federal, state, and local security architectures.
The governor noted that the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North-east and violent killings in the North-central regions were major concerns that required immediate attention.
“We must work together to address the security challenges facing our region. It’s imperative that we enhance our security measures to protect our citizens and ensure their safety”, he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s security while noting the need for more effective strategies.
The governor highlighted the success of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Economic Council, and the National Assembly in resolving tax reform issues and hailed President Tinubu’s willingness to listen and work towards inclusive governance.
On infrastructure, Governor Yahaya expressed concern over the state of infrastructure in Northern Nigeria, citing neglected projects such as the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line and the Kano-Maiduguri expressway.
He called for innovative financing options like public-private partnerships and infrastructure bonds to bridge the infrastructure gap.
The governor emphasized the potential of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) in driving regional economic growth while stressing the need for proper restructuring, competent management, and effective oversight to restore NNDC to its former glory.
He highlighted the importance of human capital development, particularly in addressing the Almajiri phenomenon and providing job opportunities for youth, emphasizing the need for quality education and vocational skills to empower the next generation.
Yahaya noted the importance of proactive measures to mitigate farmer-herder clashes and climate-related challenges.
He emphasized the need for collective action to address environmental sustainability and promote regional development.
The governor acknowledged the invaluable role of traditional institutions in maintaining social harmony and urged continued partnership with them in governance and conflict resolution.
He urged the governors to rise above individual interests and work collectively for the region’s progress.
“Tangibles’ impact on people’s lives is what will be remembered, not the number of meetings held,” he emphasized.
