Nigerian Governors advocate for effective co-ordination of security

The Nigerian Governors forum NGF has called for proper coordination among security outfits for optimal result in ending the security challenges bedevilling the country.

The Chairman of the  Governors forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, stated this in Minna the Niger state capital in North central Nigeria , when he led the Forum’s delegation to pay a solidarity visit to their colleague and the people of Niger State over the recent kidnappings in the state.

The NGF Chairman commended the measures taken by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello which resulted in the release of the 53 passengers that were abducted in the NSTA bus en route Minna.

Dr Fayemi emphasized that collective efforts are required to end insurgency that is bedeviling  the country .

“We must put all our heads together, put our efforts together, demonstrate resilience, reassure our people not to give up hope because ultimately we can defeat terrorism collectively not in isolation”.

He also stressed the need to explore other avenues side-by-side with whatever efforts the security agencies are making

“We may have to engage in dialogue to find the root causes of this social dislocation” he said.

Limited powers

While appreciating the solidarity visit of his colleagues which he described as a morale booster, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello stated that time has come for the Federal government to do more in addressing the security challenges bedeviling the country as State Governors have limited powers especially when it comes to the control of the security apparatus in the country.

“We are State Governors but we all have our limitations when it comes to control of operations, we do not fully control the Army, Air Force or even the Police”.

Governor Sani Bello who re-iterated his support of adopting kinetic and non kinetic approach to curb the menace, said there is also need to dialogue with the bandits when other measures fail.

He further stated that the state government is not resting on it oars in ensuring that  it secures the release of the Government Science College Kagara abductees.

The Governors that were part of the delegation includes, the Governors of Plateau, Simon Bako Lalong , Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State.

Emmanuel Ukoh