The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) under the chairmanship of Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has commended the Federal Government and the security agencies on the fight against banditry in the North.
The Forum while calling on the Federal Government to sustain the gains and ensure that lasting peace and stability returns to the North, also lauded the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for the professionalism and innovative approach the Armed Forces has displayed in the security architecture of the country at large.
The Forum also called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to address urgently the current electricity power blackout affecting most of the Northern states due to vandalisation of electricity transmission infrastructure.
The communique released further among others rejects the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly with the call on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of the North.
“The 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.
“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.
“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.”