The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Northern States Traditional Rulers Council have commenced a strategic meeting in Kaduna on how to tackle the mirage of challenges facing the region.
The meeting would deliberate on security, agriculture, creation of state police, underdevelopment and other problems confronting the north.
In his welcome address, Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, said for many years, Governors across party lines have advocated a policing architecture that is more responsive to local realities and better equipped to address contemporary security challenges.
Sani stated that the ongoing constitutional amendment process for the creation of state police represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
The governor said the state police if becomes reality would degrade and decimate bandits, terrorists and kidnappers laying siege to communities.
Governor Sani commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for what he described as Tinubu’s strong commitment to advancing the development priorities of Northern Nigeria.
According to Sani, “Permit me to begin by paying special tribute to the Chairman of our Forum, His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose exemplary leadership, calm disposition and unwavering commitment have continued to strengthen this Forum as a credible platform for regional cooperation and strategic engagement. Under your stewardship, the Forum has remained focused on issues that transcend politics and speak directly to the aspirations of the millions of citizens we collectively serve.
“ I also warmly acknowledge my brother Governors, our Deputy Governors and every distinguished delegate present here today. Your presence is yet another affirmation of our collective resolve to work together in addressing the challenges confronting our region and in unlocking the immense opportunities that lie before us. Northern Nigeria has always demonstrated its greatest strength when its leaders act in concert, guided by a shared vision and a common commitment to the public good”
Governor Sani noted, “Across critical sectors: including transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure and national security; the Federal Government has undertaken strategic interventions that are laying the foundation for long-term national growth and stability. We reaffirm our readiness to continue working in partnership with the Federal Government to build a more secure, prosperous and united Nigeria”
“Since our last engagements, our country has continued to make encouraging progress across several fronts. While we remain fully conscious of the complex challenges that still confront our nation, it is equally important to acknowledge themeasurable gains that have been recorded through sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and the states.
He added, “Progress, after all, is built not by ignoring challenges but by confronting them with determination, consistency and collective purpose.
“One of the most consequential developments in our national discourse is the steady progress towards the establishment of State Police. For many years, Governors across party lines have advocated a policing architecture that is more responsive to local realities and better equipped to address contemporary security challenges. The ongoing constitutional amendment process therefore represents a defining moment in our democratic evolution.
“The establishment of State Police in Nigeria is not only a necessity but an urgent and strategic imperative. With Nigeria’s vast landscape, the increasing sophistication of criminal elements, and the paltry number of Police and Military personnel,the creation of State Police will no doubt be a force multiplier inour quest to degrade and decimate bandits, terrorists and kidnappers laying siege to our communities”
Governor Sani stated further “We need more boots on the ground to secure our people and our communities. I must not fail to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating the courage and statesmanship required to advance this historic reform. The Senate and House of Representatives also deserve special commendation for moving decisively to pass the State Police Bill. I am confident that the Conference Committtee will waste no time in coming up with a final draft.
“History and posterity will be kind to Mr. President, the National Assembly, State Governors, and other critical stakeholders for supporting the creation of State Police which has the potentials of frontally tackling our challenges of insecurity”
“Distinguished colleagues, our revered traditional rulers, the people we serve expect leadership that rises above political differences and sectional interests. They expect collaboration instead of competition, vision instead of expediency, and solutions instead of excuses. I have every confidence that our deliberations today will yield practical outcomes that further strengthen security, expand economic opportunity, modernise agriculture, improve education and healthcare, and accelerate inclusive development throughout Northern Nigeria” the governor said.
