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Joint Communique: Northern governors, CDS, traditional rulers meet to address insecurity
COMMUNIQUE OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM MEETING WITH CHAIRMEN OF NORTHERN STATES COUNCIL OF EMIRS AND CHIEFS HELD ON MONDAY 287H OCTOBER, 2024
A joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Ruler’ Council (Emirs and Chiefs) was held today, Monday 28 October, 2024. The meeting was also briefed on the security challenges in the north by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. The meeting deliberated extensively on matters of common interest and resolved to issue the following communique:
1. Forum extends its deepest sympathies to the victims of the recent flood disasters in Maiduguri and other parts of the North, as well as to the families affected by the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State. The Forum equally commiserates with other victims of terrorism, banditry and similar criminal activities in the North and Nigeria at large and stand in solidarity with them during these difficult times. We agreed to continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.
2. Forum emphasises that Traditional Institutions are critical in the quest for lasting peace and security in the region. Forum also acknowledged their commitment in bridging the gap between the Government and the people. Forum advocates for increased roles for the Traditional Institutions to maximize cooperation with security agencies in the fight against kidnap for ransom, banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, farmers/herder clashes and other forms of criminality.
3. Forum acknowledges the recent gains made against criminals, especially the elimination of bandits and terror leaders. However, we resolved to sustain these gains in order to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region. Forum commend the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment in ensuring that our communities are safe and secure. Particularly we commend the untiring commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff General C. J Musa whose professionalism and innovative approach has made difference in security architecture of the Country at large. Nevertheless more need to be done to address pockets of challenges that abound in the Northern Region.
4. With the recent “End Bad Governance” protests that took place in August, the Forum resolved to scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, job creation and pathways for the youth to chanel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices.
5. Forum resolves to call on the Federal Government and relevant Agencies to urgently address the current electricity power blackout affecting most of the Northern States due to vandalization of electricity transmission infrastructure. This matter not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, but also the need to build aalitional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply so as to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience.
6. Forum agrees that Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potentials, which, if fully harnessed, can significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth. To achieve this, we resolved to provide adequate support to our farmers, including access to financing, modern farming techniques and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems. Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region. That can be achieved through re-industrialisation of the North especially by reviving the textile value chain and development of other agro-allied industries.
7. Forum commends His Excellency, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the reform initiative in the livestock sub-sector and agreed to provide the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government livestock development initiatives. The Forum also agreed to sustain engagement and cross-fertilization of ideas with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to achieve greater results.
8. Forum acknowledges the fact that climate change has greatly affected our environment resulting in the recent flood incidents in many parts of the North and therefore resolved to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure like canals and waterways to divert excess water and channel them towards irrigation activities, thus enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security.
9. Forum agrees to support and key-in to any initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of out-of-school-children and improving educational outcomes in the sub-region.
10. Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the Blare against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model. This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not wnere the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.
11. For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the Country. However, the Forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised.
12. On the present economic hardship affecting the Country, the Forum is appealing to all citizens to remain calm, as the states and Federal Government are working hard to implement measures that will cushion effects of the hardship.
HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU INUWA YAHAYA, CON EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF GOMBE STATE / CHAIRMAN, NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged soldiers to brace up in order to secure Nigerians better and tackle insurgency in the South-West.
Oluyede made this known on Friday while addressing soldiers during his maiden operational visit to 32 Artillery Brigade Owena Cantonment, Akure.
The COAS, who said that Nigeria was facing with different security challenges, said there was need for all personnel and officers to rise up collectively and stop the menace.
“We are doing our best with other sister agencies and other security agencies to bring these challenges to the bare minimum.
“I want to tell you this afternoon that the entire Nigerian state, the entire Nigerian people are depending on you to bring all these challenges to an end.
“If there is no security, there can’t be development. So, whether you like it or not, it’s affecting you and I.
“The money the government is spending on security is so huge that if we can make Nigerians better secured, those monies can be channeled to make the lives of all Nigerians better.
“Nigerians are looking up to us to make things better. So what that means is that you must be ready to double your efforts, to work harder,” he said.
Oluyede, who promised to ensure the welfare of the soldiers and officers, said that he would do his best to make things better.
According to him, there is a plan to build houses for soldiers across the formations to ensure they have a place to live when retired from the service.
“As we speak, we plan to produce at least 100,000 uniforms every month. So the first set is going to be split between 81 Div and 2 Div, and that will be done tomorrow,
“You must be ready to face the challenges. As we are pursuing the criminals from the north, we have realised that some of them are coming down from the South-West.
“What does that mean? What does that tell you? That work is coming. And it is better you nip it in the bud than allow it to grow. Once it grows, it becomes a monster.
“We don’t want another North-East. Neither do we want another North-West. So you must brace up to that challenge,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlights of the event include the gun drill display of 35mm Oerlikon Anti-Aircraft (AA). (NAN)
The federal government has pledged to support and promote the production of a documentary on Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave the assurance while receiving the executive of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Friday in Abuja.
He described the proposed documentary, an initiative of IPAC, as a critical chronicle of Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 25 years.
The film aims to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and highlight democratic lessons learned in the last 25 years.
“It pleases me to acknowledge the untiring efforts of IPAC and its leadership in fostering democracy. This documentary, through the medium of film, will serve as a long-lasting historical record honouring our nation’s political heroes and showcasing our democratic credentials. To this end, the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, is willing to support this unique documentary,” he said.
The minister also expressed his gratitude to IPAC for its dedication to democratic development and emphasised the importance of political parties working together beyond elections to foster national unity and progress.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu supports healthy political competition, as democracy thrives on constructive opposition and national interest-driven collaboration, irrespective of party affiliations,” he said.
He further noted that sustaining democracy is a collective effort. “Political parties are the foundation of democracy. While competition during elections is natural, we must come together afterward to build our nation. President Tinubu, being a true democrat, values healthy competition but also prioritises unity and national progress.”
In his response, the National Chairman of IPAC, Hon. Yusuf Dantalle stated that the documentary would highlight Nigeria’s advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social cohesion.
“The documentary, in addition to being a historical marker, is targeted at the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, as it will serve as an educational resource and a unifying narrative of Nigeria’s democratic evolution. It will feature some of Nollywood’s finest actors and will be produced with state-of-the-art equipment, matching global standards in quality and impact,” he said.
The IPAC delegation included its Deputy National Chairman, Dipo Olayokun; a Council Member, Chief Dan Nwayanwu; and the National Secretary of the Council, Maxwell Mabudem, among other executives.
President Bola Tinubu articulated on Thursday the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, saying the primary motive was protecting the interests of future generations.
“For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future,” he said.
He made these remarks at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.
The president highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties:
“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.
President Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.
“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”
He said firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.
“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.
“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it.”
Emmanuel Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and at what the two organisations were offering Nigerians.
“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.
“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” Mr Nwaka, a former senator, said.
Other delegation members were Bako Musa, Terwase Orbunde, Wasiu Logun, Amina Aliyu, Obi Anoliefo and Eze Nwauwa.