Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has said that for Nigeria’s northern states to adequately tackle the problem of insecurity and banditry, they must establish command and control centres, as well as develop unified operational plans.
The Kaduna governor made this statement on Friday at the first Northern States Governors Forum meeting since the present crop of governors assumed office in May 29, 2023.
The meeting featured governors from across the 19 northern states, who all gathered in Kaduna to discuss the progress and major concerns of the region.
At the end of the meeting, the Forum collectively resolved to support the Kaduna State Government and victims of the unfortunate incidence of bombing at Tudun Biri Community, Igabi Local Government Area by donating the sum of One Hundred and Eighty Million Naira to the victims.
Also, the governor of Gombe State and new chairman of the northern governors, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, said they will deliberate on ways to address security challenges facing the region which is crucial to the overall development and well-being of the North.
He said the meeting deliberated on regional integration, environment, and regional economic development.
Expressing concern about the current state of the North, Sani said that it was necessary for the leaders of the region to develop a comprehensive plan for development, emphasizing the urgency of establishing a unified strategy and operational plan to combat insecurity.
Sani said, “Our region has been grappling with challenges of insecurity. Our human development indices have been declining. For the Northern Governors Forum to remain relevant, we must forge unity among our people and collaborate on issues of development.
“We must fashion a Marshall Plan for the development of the North. Our situation is dire and requires concerted and sustained action.
“Dear colleagues, the vision for the design of a strategic agenda for the development of the north should be anchored on a core ideal that puts the people at the centre of our aspiration and drive. This is simply because the mandate we got to lead, emanated from the people.
“We must develop a common strategy and operational plan to tackle insecurity. We must establish a Command and Control Centre to coordinate our joint efforts against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in our region.”
Yahaya, speaking on the need for development in the north, said that the tackling of insecurity will go a long way in ensuring the growth of the region, as no investor will want to invest in a place that is riddled with security challenges.
He said, “As governors of the 19 northern states, while commending the Federal Government for renewed vigour in the fight against insecurity, we believe that more needs to be done to bring an end to the menace of kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism bedevilling our region. Security and development are intricately connected, and we must approach them collectively.
“Without security, there will be no development. Because investors can only invest in an environment where their assets and resources are secure. Critical infrastructure like roads and bridges, as well as human capital investments like education and healthcare can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and security. Similarly, our people can only go to farms or pursue other economic and livelihoods activities when their safety is guaranteed.
“Therefore, addressing these security challenges is crucial to the overall development and well-being of our region. In this regard, all the 19 northern governors stand united in our commitment to addressing those challenges through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, strengthening local law enforcement, community engagement and dialogue, adoption of modern technology, legal and administrative reforms, as well as addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and deepening social inequality.”
The Forum also commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State over the unfortunate bombing incident at the Tudun Biri Community of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State during which some members of the community lost their lives and properties while others who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment in various Hospitals.
It resolved to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incidence is thoroughly investigated with a view to compensating victims and taking corrective measures to prevent future occurrence.
It also commended the federal government for the renewed vigour in the fight against insecurity, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism bedeviling the region.
The Forum also resolved to address the environmental challenges affecting Northern Nigeria which it said is threatening rural livelihood, pushing farmers into conflict with herders and adding to the general level of poverty and insecurity.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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