SIR: I can recall vividly that Friday, a sunny day it was, Jumma’at prayer at Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna. The Imam for a reason unknown to us, couldn’t make it. Some portion of the people delegated someone to lead the prayers, while others were not comfortable with the delegation. It was chaotic. Then from no where appeared this gentleman, a close associate of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, former Sultan of Sokoto and a very respectful northern elder, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki. He led the prayers as every body followed obediently without incidence. Such a gentleman respected by all!
But the exclusive interview granted by the former Sultan to the Daily Trust and The Nation newspaper of September 4, wherein he accused the Northern Governors of not doing enough on security was rather surprising. The former sultan must have been misinformed.
While the giant strides by the Northern Governors to end the crisis is common knowledge, it is however unfortunate that our father could not appreciate the simple fact: his optimism, appreciation and of course blessing would definitely boost the governors efforts to resolve the crisis.
Despite the fact that security is an exclusive responsibility of the federal government as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, the Northern States continue to contribute immensely to the security of the nation. Its no news that the states donate vans to their respective state police commands.
Since the governors were elected by their people, with uncountable expectations from the electorates, it can only be achieved on a peaceful atmosphere. The Northern Governors’ Forum, recently inaugurated a committee on peace and reconciliation headed by Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, to look into the security situation in the north. The committee is saddled with the mandate to resolve the crisis in dialogue and amicable manner.
Luckily, the National Security Adviser (NSA) is from the royal family, and from the north. The committee constituted by the northern governors is to his advantage. Its a well known fact that insurgency and other forms of militia, can never be fought with the barrel of guns, hence, the need to include community leaders.
If one is objective enough, he would really appreciate the fact that, the governors have gone great lengths to accommodate justice and fairness in their activities. For instance youths are given unprecedented support to be fully engaged in different kinds of endeavors such as “Lafiya Jari” in Kano, youth’s empowerment programmes in Nasarawa and graduate empowerment in Niger State, to mention but few.
Needless to say, in terms of providing social amenities, the northern states are doing their best despite the meager amount they receive from the federation account. It therefore borders on injustice to point accusing fingers at the governors.
As an elder statesman, he should be admonished that remonstration of the governors in the newspapers is unhelpful.
Auwal A. Dankano.
Kano
