The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has called on Northern leaders to move beyond rhetoric and adopt coordinated, practical measures to address insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment across the region.
He warned that persistent instability poses a serious threat to the North’s unity, prosperity and future.
Governor Yahaya made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Dutse, Jigawa State.
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The meeting brought together governors, traditional rulers, security chiefs and representatives of the Federal Government to deliberate on the theme: “Peace, Unity and Development of Northern Nigeria.”
Describing the security situation in the North as unprecedented and deeply concerning, the NSGF Chairman said banditry, insurgency, farmer-herder clashes and communal conflicts had become the greatest threats to the region’s survival, weakening social cohesion, disrupting economic activities and impeding development.
“Without security, there can be no unity. Without security and unity, there can be no development,” he stated.
The Gombe State Governor attributed the security crisis partly to decades of socio-economic neglect, citing widespread poverty, unemployment and poor educational outcomes.
He noted that approximately 86 million people in Northern Nigeria live in multidimensional poverty, while the overwhelming majority of the country’s out-of-school children are concentrated in the region.
According to him, poverty, illiteracy and youth unemployment have created fertile ground for criminal networks and violent extremist groups to recruit vulnerable young people.
Far-Reaching Reforms
To reverse the trend, Governor Inuwa Yahaya advocated far-reaching reforms, including the establishment of state police, increased investment in education and skills development, job creation, agricultural revitalisation and enhanced support for security agencies.
The NSGF Chairman stressed that Northern leaders could no longer afford silence, hesitation or unimplemented resolutions in the face of escalating insecurity.
“Enough of meetings that do not produce results. Enough of communiqués that are not implemented. Enough of promises that are not followed by action,” he declared.
Governor Yahaya also expressed condolences to the Government and people of Katsina State over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar at the hands of bandits, describing the tragic incident as a stark reminder that insecurity spares no one.
“No one is safe until everyone is safe,” he said.
Governor Yahaya further urged traditional rulers to strengthen community vigilance and intelligence gathering, describing them as indispensable partners in peacebuilding and security management.
“You are not just ceremonial figures; you are essential partners in security, unity and development,” Governor Yahaya told the royal fathers.
In his remarks, the host Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, highlighted the numerous challenges confronting Northern Nigeria, including insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, climate pressures, drug abuse, farmer-herder conflicts and declining social values.
He acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to tackle insecurity through intensified military operations, improved intelligence coordination and stronger collaboration with state governments.
Governor Namadi cited the North-West Peace and Security Summit held in Katsina as a positive step towards deeper regional cooperation.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating crime and maintaining public safety.
He described the Northern Traditional Rulers Council as a vital institution and emphasised that the stability of Northern Nigeria remains crucial to national stability.
“We must sustain collaboration to confront emerging security threats on all fronts,” the IGP said.
Also speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its enduring role in peacebuilding and community mobilisation.
The Minister said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address both the immediate and underlying causes of insecurity through interventions in agriculture, education, economic empowerment and social inclusion, stressing that Northern Nigeria remains central to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the presence of the NSGF Chairman.
He described it as evidence of the commitment of Northern Governors to work in partnership in addressing the numerous challenges facing the region.
The Sultan urged citizens to continue praying for and supporting their leaders at all levels, emphasising the importance of leadership and the responsibilities entrusted to those in authority.
He noted that leadership is a divine trust and that governors have been placed in positions of authority for a purpose.
The Sutan therefore called on all stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria.
He also underscored the importance of self-reflection, urging leaders and citizens alike to examine past actions and decisions and work collectively towards finding lasting solutions to the region’s challenges.
