The Nation Newspaper

Tag: northern governors

  • No hiding place for criminals, say northern governors

    Governors of North Western States and Niger met again in Kaduna on yesterday to review the security approach towards ending cattle rustling and other security challenges in Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests.

    The five Governors of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states met in June to form a joint security operation against the dreaded Kamuku Forest.

    Meanwhile, at the yeterday’s review meeting held alongside security chiefs, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and his Sokoto counterpart had joined the five governors to avoid spillover of security challenges around their states when criminals are smoked out of the forest.

    Briefing newsmen after the close door meeting which lasted for three hours, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwwal said they will leave no stone unturned to ensure maximum security in their domain.

    He noted that, the collaborative approach adopted by the states surrounding Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests has paid off, as it has started yielding positive results.

    According to Tambuwwal, “We have resolved to support the security agencies both material, financially and morally to improved security situation and ensure that there is no hideout for criminals in the North-west sub-region.

    “The collaboration between the states and Federal Government has been very helpful. So, we just sat to review the way forward and how to bring about peaceful coexistence in our region.

    “With reports reaching us so far from the security operatives, we are satisfied that the operation is successful and moving smoothly. And we are hopeful that in no distance future, peace will return to the region.

    “Initially, it was only five states of Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi but today other states like Sokoto and Kano have decided to join hands with the movement to ensure that no hideout for the criminals or terrorists.”

     

     

     

  • Northern Govs meet on dreaded forest again

    Governors of North Western States and Niger met in again in Kaduna on Saturday to review the security approach towards ending cattle rustling and other security challenges in Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests.
    It would be recalled that, five Governors of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states met in June to form a joint security operation against dreaded Kamuku Forest.
    Meanwhile, at the Saturday’s review meeting held alongside security chiefs, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and his Sokoto counterpart had joined the five Governors to avoid spillover of security challenges around their states when criminals are smoked out of the forest.
    Briefing newsmen after the close door meeting which lasted for three hours, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwwal said they will leave no stone unturned to ensure maximum security in their domain.
    He noted that, the collaborative approach adopted by the states surrounding Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests has paid off, as it has started yielding positive results.
    According to Tambuwwal, “We have resolved to support the security agencies both material, financially and morally to improved security situation and ensure that there is no hideout for criminals in the North-west sub-region.
    “The collaboration between the states and Federal Government has been very helpful. So, we just sat to review the way forward and how to bring about peaceful coexistence in our region.
    “With reports reaching us so far from the security operatives, we are satisfied that the operation is successful and moving smoothly. And we are hopeful that in no distance future, peace will return to the region.
    “Initially, it was only five states of Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi but today other states like Sokoto and Kano have decided to join hands with the movement to ensure that no hideout for the criminals or terrorists.
    “So far, we have made lot of arrests and recovery of property belonging to innocent persons and were returned back to their owners. But it is still ongoing and we will brief you adequately at the end of the operations on the successes recorded.
    “We are calling on the people to cooperate and support us by making available necessary information and by reporting suspicious movement around their neighbourhood to security operatives to ensure they are apprehended.” Tambuwwal said.

  • Northern Governors condole with Jonathan over sister’s death

    The Chairman Northern States Governors’ Forum, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, on Monday said the death of Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei, younger sister to President Goodluck Jonathan was unfortunate and a huge loss to the family.

    He also prayed Allah to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss in a statement issued in Minna by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije.
    The forum sympathised with the first family and urged President Jonathan to see the death as an act of God.

    He said, “Let me condole with President Goodluck Jonathan and his entire family over the death of his younger sister Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei. Death is what we must all prepare for as human beings but whenever it happens like this, it only reminds us that we are mere mortals. It is therefore my prayer that Allah grant her Aljanatu Firdaus.”

    Aliyu, who is also Niger State governor, said the only way the family can immortalize her is by ensuring that all what she worked for are preserved, well propagated and constantly reflected upon, adding that her passing should bond the family the more.

  • Northern governors urge Nigerians to seek peace

    Northern governors urge Nigerians to seek peace

    THE Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has urged Nigerians to pursue the search for peace.

    It stressed that it was only in building on the culture of peace that meaningful socio-economic development could be guaranteed in the new year.

    Chairman of the forum and Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who said this, explained that irrespective of religious, political or ideological differences, people must support genuine efforts aimed at ensuring that the conduct of general elections is successful and devoid of needless bickering capable of threatening the nation’s corporate existence.

    Aliyu, in a statement in Minna yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, said the new year would be a crucial year for the country.

    He enjoined Nigerians to enter the year with renewed hopes, stressing that the citizens could not afford to miss out in numerous opportunities that the new year has to offer.

    The forum also called on politicians to play politics according to the rules of the game and shun acts capable of plunging the country into avoidable crisis.

    According to the group, the unity and developmental aspirations of Nigeria are sacrosanct.

    The statement reads: “We must all make sure that the elections are devoid of violence. All hands must be on deck. The electoral body and other critical establishments connected to the elections must be ready to go extra miles in the execution of their respective assignments.

    “We also expect security agencies to subject their personnel to necessary pre-election monitoring trainings and programmes.”

    Aliyu prayed for a prosperous and fruitful new year, urging everybody to be prayerful and law-abiding.

    “It is indeed instructive for politicians to desist from overheating the polity with inciting comments, hate speech as well as blackmail. We should think of what benefits the entire country than what individuals stand to gain. This is the only country we can call our own. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that things go on well.

    “Undoubtedly, Nigeria is on the verge of attaining greatness beginning from this very year. Those who think the nation won’t survive the general elections should be ready to bury their heads in shame.

    “Nigeria will not only survive the election year, but it will become more peaceful and generally safe”.

  • Northern governors: Nigeria ‘ll not collapse

    Northern governors: Nigeria ‘ll not collapse

    The Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has expressed optimism on  the continued existence of the country against speculation of its collapse after next year’s elections.

      Aliyu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, to mark the 54th Independence anniversary, urged Nigerians not to give up on the country, but should work for its unity and prosperity.

      He enjoined Nigerians to remember the labour of the country’s founding fathers and shun acts that could  dash their expectations, adding: “It is the duty of Nigerians to shun acts that will undermine the unity of the country.”

      The governor challenged those who have balkanised the country along political divide to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the gains of a united country and not dwell on narrow interests.

     Aliyu said: “Let me congratulate Nigerians as we celebrate our 54th Independence. It is my wish that we celebrate more independence in peace, harmony and prosperity. We need a country which our people can really call their home.

      “We want a country where we can be independent from personal or group interests. We should be united towards achieving common goals and aspirations. While we have challenges of insecurity amid fears of disintegration, we must realise that Nigeria has prospect, Nigeria has international presence regardless of our challenges. Believe me, many nationals wish they were Nigerians.”

     He said the insecurity giving the country a bad image would soon be solved, adding that once politics is not seen as a do-or-die affair, people will be more focused on going about it peacefully.

      “It is, therefore, my prayer that Nigerians should mark this Independence Day celebration in the spirit of reconciliation. We must work towards healing the wounds triggered by politics, religion and ethnicity. We need true reconciliation to work together as an indivisible entity.

     “We shouldn’t just mark this year’s independence celebration just for its ceremonial value, but also for the sake of encouraging ourselves that Nigeria is a country worth fighting for, a nation of patriotic citizens and a country we are proud of,” Aliyu concluded.

  • Ado Bayero’s death, a monumental loss – Northern Governors

    Northern States Governors Forum on Friday said the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, was a monumental loss to the entire nation.

    The Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, in a condolence message in Minna said the region and indeed the nation has lost one of its foremost and forthright monarchs.

    He said the late Emir was a fountain of experience, who exuded wisdom and was a father to all regardless of ethno-religious affiliations.

    The message signed by Aliyu Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije reads, “The North and Nigeria will miss his contribution especially now that the country needs people of his calibre to chart a better future especially in the area of security.”

    The Forum condoled with the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, for the loss, urging him to embrace the Emirs death as the will of Allah.

    The statement reads, “The passing away of the Emir of Kano is indeed sad for the entire Northern states and Nigeria. We will remember him for his humility, truthfulness on issues, determination to serve the country and above all his religious chastity.

    “For us in the Northern states, the Emir of Kano was an encyclopedia, reflecting every module needed to chart a better roadmap for the North based on his wealth of experience.

    “We must work towards fulfilling his wish of seeing a united Northern Nigeria. We must emulate his dream of a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria by placing the collective interest of the Northern states and Nigeria above individual interests.”

     

  • Emir’s murder, a declaration of war – Governors

    The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) on Friday described the killing of Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrisa Timta, as irresponsible, callous and a declaration of war on the traditional institution.

    It also expressed shock and disbelief at the assassination attempt on the lives of Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ismaila Mamza and Emir of Askira,  Alhaji Mai Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama by gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram sect.

    The Borno State first class traditional rulers were abducted on Friday while travelling to Gombe State for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who died earlier in the week.

    The condemnation of the dastardly act was contained in a statement issued in Minna by Israel Ebije, the Chief Press Secretary to the Forum’s Chairman Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

    Aliyu, who described the killing as “irresponsible, callous and an affront on the traditional institution and collective heritage of Nigerians” lamented that the attack came at a time federal government has concluded plans to grant the sect amnesty.

    The Forum said, “This is indeed a sad development for us as a region and the nation at large. This is happening at a time we are all doing our very best to rescue our over 200 secondary school girls abducted by the Islamist terror group Boko Haram, from their school in Chibok, Borno State last month.

    “We are particularly sad and worried about these ugly developments. We are indeed sad over the killing of the Emir of Gwoza in the recent attack.

    The Forum urged the sect members to embrace the amnesty offer promised by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying “dialogue remains the best option for resolving issues.”

  • Northern governors to Boko Haram: Embrace amnesty window

    Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) on Friday applauded President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to grant amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect.

    The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, also called on insurgents to embrace peace.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Mr. Israel A. Ebije. The statement said the amnesty is a welcome idea.

    Aliyu assured that governors from the region are ready to cooperate with federal government to address the insurgents’ grievances, adding that steps would be taken to ensure that they are usefully re-integrated into the society.

    Describing Jonathan gesture as laudable, Aliyu noted that the amnesty would help restore peace and harmony in troubled areas of the country.

    He therefore insisted that until members of the sect lay down their arms, development and growth of the region will only be a mirage.

    Aliyu lamented that insecurity has increased fear, encouraged suspicion and put national development in the reverse gear, adding that the essence of nationhood can only be revived when lasting peace, reconciliation and political harmony is propagated and sustained.

  • ‘Northern governors persecuting Christians’

    The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) President, Rev Jeremiah Gado, has alleged that northern governors are persecuting Christians  by restricting their freedom of worship.

    Speaking in Umuahia when he led a delegation to visit Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, Gado said Christians in the North were being denied their rights to practise their faith.

    The ECWA president, who was on pastoral visit to the ECWA district in Umuahia, lamented that the policy of stifling Christians was so entrenched and pervasive in the North that governors refuse to give them certificates of occupancy to build places of worship.

    He said: “Even when we want to buy land from private individuals they (governors) make them  sign undertakings not to sell land to build churches.”

    The cleric pleaded with  Orji, who is also the chairman of Southeast Governors Forum (SEGF) to persuade his northern counterparts to start treating Christians well.

    Gado praised the governor for the infrastructural development in Abia and for standing by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the nation must be built on strong values, not on lies and deceptions”.

    Orji regretted the security challenges confronting the nation due to the insurgents, saying that “nothing disturbs a leader like when he cannot guarantee the peace and security of the people”.

    The governor condemned the politicisation of the insurgency in the Northeast, which was why protesters have been venting their anger at the Presidency, when they should be staging protests in the affected states to prompt the governors to action.

  • Northern governors to FG: Don’t blame us on terror

    Northern governors to FG: Don’t blame us on terror

    The Northern States Governors’ Forum on Thursday hit back at the Federal Government over allegation that governors from the region were not doing enough to fight terrorism, describing the statement as “uncharitable and unfortunate.”

    Reacting to the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku’s allegation that the 19 governors in the North are not doing enough at curbing insecurity in the region, the Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu said the “blame game must stop.”

    The governor said, “If it was his (Minister) view, it was unfortunate. If it is the view of the Federal Government, it is very uncharitable, it is more than unfortunate.

    “I think it is part of the hypocrisy because no governor as far as I know can be accused of not doing enough. As Chairman of Northern State Governors’ Forum, I can say that no governor can be accused of not doing enough particularly, with the circumstances that we find ourselves.”

    Aliyu continued, “I am not aware of any governor invited by the National Security Adviser (NSA) and told of what to do and he did not do it. I am not aware of that.”

    He said that instead of accusing the governors, it was the federal government that delayed in nipping the security challenges in the bud.