Northern Governors Seek Traditional Rulers’ Support On Development

Governors of the 19 Northern States have met with traditional rulers in the region to discuss the issues of insecurity and other socio-economic challenges.

The meeting, which held on Thursday in Kaduna State, was convened to deliberate and find lasting solutions to the myriad of socio-economic and political problems besetting the region and welfare of the people.

It was declared open by Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State on behalf of the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima.

Governor Masari noted that the meeting had become crucial because of the fundamental debate bordering on Nigeria’s restructuring, farmers and herdsmen clashes, educational backwardness, pervasive poverty and underdevelopment as well as persistent insecurity of Northern Nigeria.

The governors and traditional rulers reiterated their disapproval of the ultimatum given to Igbos by a coalition of norther youth groups to vacate the region by October 1.

They, however, criticised the agitation for secession made by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), and call on relevant authorities and Igbo leaders to call the agitators to order.

On his part, the host governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai briefed the leaders on the security challenges in the region and sought for a joint effort to address the problems.

The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, Abubakar Saad, said the Council has been very proactive in resolving the dust raised by the ultimatum issued to Igbos in the region.

He, however, expressed worry over the rate of frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in some parts of the region and Nigeria in general.

The meeting had in attendance, governors of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi and Katsina states, as well as deputy governors of Kogi and Niger states.

Also present are Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano, Etsu Nupe, Shehu of Borno, Attah Igala, Lamido Adamawa and Tor Tiv among other traditional rulers.