From Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
President Muhammadu Buhari has called for stronger collaboration with security personnel in defeating insurgency and other related problems nationwide.
The President was speaking yesterday at Northern Governors Forum (NGF) meeting on way forward held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
Buhari, who was represented by Chief of Staff to the president, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, said the meeting was timely as it may come up with a lasting solution to insecurity challenges bedeviling the region.
He appreciated the efforts of the NGF for organizing such meeting at a right time.
The president stressed the need of demonstrating commitment and dedication to end the insecurity, adding that without peace, there would be no development.
On his part, the chairman of the NGF, who doubled as the Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Simon Bako Lalung said the forum has set up various committees aimed at coming up with a positive result towards averting insecurity challenges facing the region.
Mr. Lalong expressed optimism that the meeting would come up with mechanisms of addressing numerous issues affecting the North as well as fully integration of Almajri system.
He added that the effort is aimed at turning the huge population of the region into an asset.
On his part, Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, reaffirmed that the meeting would avail way forward to dreaded challenges afflicting the Northern states.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Wase, assured of the Assembly’s support and cooperation at all times towards realizing the set goal.
Speaking on behalf of the Emirs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has commended the commitment and concern of the Northern governors towards the plight of their people.
He assured of the Emirs’ support and prayers as well as supporting the actions of the governors in overcoming the insecurity challenges.
Others who spoke at the occasion included the Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum that assured to partner with the governors in any way to assist in promoting empowerment of youths and women.
