The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his sustained commitment to Nigeria’s security but acknowledged recent setbacks in efforts to combat insecurity and other social vices.
TheNewsmatrics reports that the governors voiced the concerns amid ongoing efforts to establish consensus over demands for state police.
The governors noted the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in parts of the North-East and the outbreak of violent killings in the North-Central, calling for an immediate review of strategies and greater synergy among federal, state, and local security structures.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum said this at the NSGF and Northern Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Kaduna on Saturday.
He told the gathering that the gathering came at a critical juncture in the region’s history when the challenges they face demand nothing less than collective wisdom and decisive action.
The governors expressed their deepest condolences to the governments and people of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe States and indeed, to the entire people of northern Nigeria over the recent tragic killings.
“These mindless acts of violence against innocent citizens remind us of the urgent need to redouble our security efforts and ensure that adequate security measures are vigorously implemented for the safety of our people.
“While we commend Mr. President for his sustained commitment to Nigeria’s security, we must acknowledge the recent setbacks in our efforts to combat insecurity and other social vices.
“The resurgence of Boko Haram activities in some parts of the North-east and the outbreak of violent killings in the north-central call for immediate review of strategies and greater synergy between federal, state and local security architectures” he said.
Earlier in his remarks , Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said their presence was a clear demonstration of commitment to the progress and development of the Northern region.
He said the forum and council are unique in many respects. “Despite our diversity, the two bodies have found a way of forging consensus on critical issues and marching forward as united platforms. This approach has solidified Northern unity and garnered national respect for the Forum and Council. We must continue in this spirit,” he said.
Governors in attendance included those of Zamfara, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Yobe, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Kogi, among others.
Traditional rulers at the meeting included the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Zazzau, and Etsu Nupe, among others.
A communique is expected to be issued at the end of the meeting later today.
