Tag: Northern Governors

  • Northern Governors Condole Governor Sule Over Loss Of Son

    Northern Governors Condole Governor Sule Over Loss Of Son

    The Northern Governors Forum has sent condolences to their colleague, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule over the death if his son Alhaji Hassan A.A. Sule who died at the age of 36.

    In a message of commiseration, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described the demise of the Governor’s son as very painful and sad.

    He said the departure of the young man at his youthful age is most unfortunate because he has a lot to offer to the society.

    While urging the Governor and his family to accept the development as the will of God, Lalong said the Northern Governors are with him at this moment of grief and sorrow.

    He prayed God to console them and grant the deceased eternal rest.

  • Northern Governors Forum Celebrates President Buhari At 80

    Northern Governors Forum Celebrates President Buhari At 80

    The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on his 80th birthday.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message described the President as a father for all who has done so much to touch the lives of Nigerians positively.

    Lalong said the President has lived a life of sacrifice, service and patriotism from his days in the military and even presently where he has been saddled with the responsibility of running the country under a democracy.

    He said the Northern Governors Forum is proud to be associated with the achievements of the President in carrying out landmark projects and programmes which have changed the trajectory of Nigeria’s development.

    Governor Lalong said the Forum has enjoyed tremendous support and cooperation from the President in its quest to address some of the many challenges of the region particularly those relating to education, security, agriculture, infrastructure and health among others.

    Lalong emphasized that the President has given a good account of his mandate and will leave a legacy of impact that is seen in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    While wishing him many more years ahead, the Northern Governors Forum prayed God to grant the President good health, God’s protection and divine protection.

  • Northern Governors Felicitate With Gen. Gowon At 88

    Northern Governors Felicitate With Gen. Gowon At 88

    The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with elderstatesman and former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon on his 88th birthday.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described Gen. Gowon as one of the most refined and patriotic leaders that Nigeria has produced.

    Lalong said Gen. Gowon apart from fighting to keep Nigeria one, has remained a father to the nation many years after leaving office and continues to support successive administrations through prayer, counsel and strategic engagement towards addressing the nation’s challenges.

    He said as an elderstateman, Gen. Gowon has devoted his time, energy and resources in mobilising help for the less privileged in society just as he has mobilised funds and attracted the attention of local and global partners to tackling diseases, illiteracy, poverty and hunger among others.

    Governor Lalong noted that through the Yakubu Gowon Foundation, the former Military Leader has touched the lives of the most vulnerable persons in society by bringing succour to their plight and ensuring that the attention of Government, donor agencies and non governmental organisations is drawn to neglected but important issues.

    The Northern Governors Forum Chairman specifically appreciated the role that Gen. Gowon has played in his interventions with members of the Forum towards addressing the issues of insecurity, peace, unity and religious harmony within the Northern Region and the entire country.

    He said Gowon epitomises humility, humanity, and goodwill as he has remained apolitical, but always interested in supporting causes that work for the interest of the people.

    The former Nigerian leader was also commended for instituting and sustaining a national spiritual intercession program “Nigeria Prays” which has relentlessly prayed for the unity, progress and stability of Nigeria over the years.

    While wishing him many more years of good health, wisdom and God’s protection, Lalong said the former Head of State will continue to remain a worthy Ambassador for the region and Nigeria with his sterling qualities that attract goodwill from within and outside Nigeria.

  • Northern Governors Mourn Opec Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo

    Northern Governors Mourn Opec Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo

    The Northern Governors Forum has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden demise of Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Forum received with shock the death of the OPEC Secretary General who was on official duties in Nigeria when his death occurred.

    Lalong said the death of Dr. Barkindo is a great loss to his immediate family, Nigeria and the international community because of his contributions to the energy sector and development of oil and gas in Nigeria and throughout the world.

    He said Dr. Barkindo was a technocrat who distinguished himself in the field of oil and gas having put in many years in the industry and rising to head the NNPC where he led many reforms and initiatives to transform the industry.

    Governor Lalong said Dr. Barkindo gave a good account of himself when he was elected Secretary General of OPEC as he led the Organisation through some of the most challenging periods in global energy crisis and the COVID-19 Pandemic by ensuring recovery and stability.

    Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum is proud of his achievements and support towards the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and exploration of oil and gas prospects across various parts of the country including the Northern Region.

    While commiserating with the family and people of Adamawa State, Lalong prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort the family.

  • Owo Massacre: Northern Governors Infuriated

    Owo Massacre: Northern Governors Infuriated

    The Northern Governors Forum says it is infuriated over the attack on worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State which left many dead and others injured.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the Forum totally condemns the unprovoked attack on the Church and its worshippers which is a clear attempt by criminals to instigate religious hatred and inflame passions among Nigerians.

    While commiserating with the survivors, families of victims, the Catholic Church and the Christian body in Nigeria, Lalong said the Northern Governors want security agencies to do all that is possible to apprehend those behind the sacrilege, their sponsors and collaborators.

    This he said will not only ensure that justice is served, but ensure a clear message is also sent to criminals who are bent on causing chaos in the country.

    He also said the Northern Governors are in solidarity with their colleague Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the Government of Ondo State, assuring of their prayers and support at this very sober moment.

  • APC Primary: Buhari, APC Northern Governors Meets Over Consensus candidate

    APC Primary: Buhari, APC Northern Governors Meets Over Consensus candidate

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday held last-minute consultations with northern governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The meeting held inside the President’s office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Some of the governors who attended the meeting include Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Aminu Masari of Katsina, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, and Abubakar Bello of Niger.

    Also present were Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Simon Lalong of Plateau, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.

    President Buhari and the northern APC governors met on the day the ruling party said it would commence a special convention to elect its presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

    More to follow…

  • 2023 Presidency: Northern Governors Demand Power Shift to the South

    2023 Presidency: Northern Governors Demand Power Shift to the South

    The Northern Governors Forum have called for the 2023 presidency to shift to the South.

    In a statement released on Saturday, June 4, at least 11 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors said the search for Buhari’s successor should be limited to the South.

    “APC governors and political leaders from the northern states of Nigeria today met to review the political situation and to further support our Party in providing progressive leadership amidst our national challenges. During our discussions, we welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari’s invitation to governors and other stakeholders to contribute to the emergence of a strong presidential candidate for the APC.

    After careful deliberation, we wish to state our firm conviction that after eight years in office of President Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC for the 2023 elections should be one of our teeming members from the southern states of Nigeria. It is a question of honour for the APC, an obligation that is not in anyway affected by the decisions taken by another political party. We affirm that upholding this principle is in the interest of building a stronger, more united and more progressive country.

    We therefore wish to strongly recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari that the search for a successor as the APC’s presidential candidate be limited to our compatriots from the southern states. We appeal to all aspirants from the northern states to withdraw in the national interest and allow only the aspirants from the south to proceed to the primaries. We are delighted by the decision of our esteemed colleague, His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Badaru to contribute to this patriotic quest by withdrawing his presidential aspiration.

    The APC has a duty to ensure that the 2023 elections offer a nation-building moment, reaffirming that a democratic pathway to power exists for all who value cooperation and build national platforms. This moment calls for the most sober and inclusive approach to selecting our party’s candidate, and we call on all APC leaders to fulfil their responsibility in this regard.”

    The governors who signed the statement include Bello Masari (Katsina), Sani Bello (Niger), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Muhammad Inuwa (Gombe).

    Others are Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).

  • Northern Governors Horrified Over Kaduna Train Attack, Demand Immediate Apprehension Of Culprits

    Northern Governors Horrified Over Kaduna Train Attack, Demand Immediate Apprehension Of Culprits

    The Northern Governors Forum has expressed deep sorrow and fury over the barbaric attack on a train along Kaduna-Abuja route by terrorists where some were passengers were killed, injured or kidnapped, describing the act as horrifying and totalling reprehensible.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong while responding to the sad development, said the entire Governors and people of the region as well as other Nigerians are distressed over the unfortunate attack on innocent commuters by terrorists who have demonstrated total disregard for human lives and compassion.

    He said while the Forum sympathises with the families of those killed as well was those kidnapped or injured, it condemns the terrorist act in totality and commends the armed forces for their quick intervention which prevented further escalation of the incident.

    The Northern Governors therefore encourages the security forces to intensify their search and rescue efforts in ensuring that those kidnapped are released without further delay and the fleeing terrorists are arrested and brought to justice.

    Governor Lalong said the Forum is working with the Federal Government and Governor Nasir Elrufai of Kaduna State to ensure that this incident and other recent terrorist attacks on communities in the State are dealt with decisively.

    He called for the support and collaboration of citizens by volunteering relevant information about criminal elements throughout the region and the country, as well as supporting the armed forces to carry out their mandate of security lives and properties effectively.

    Lalong said more investments are being made into the security sector by State Governments within the region as part of the collaboration with the Federal Government to boost the capacity of the security forces to be on top of the situation.

    He also appreciates the compassion demonstrated by Nigerians who have come forward to donate blood to victims currently undergoing medical care in various health facilities.

  • Northern Governors Felicitate With Governor El-rufai At 62

    Northern Governors Felicitate With Governor El-rufai At 62

    The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with the Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-rufai as he marks his 62nd birthday (16th February 2022).

    In a message to felicitate with the Governor, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Mallam El-rufai as a patriotic Nigerian whose zeal for peace, progress and development has been evident in all his activities including the governance of Kaduna State since coming to office in 2015.

    Lalong said Mallam El-rufai has made significant contributions to the development of the Northern Region and Nigeria at large by playing key roles in various assignments that have shaped policies in the country.

    He acknowledged the doggedness of Governor El-rufai in confronting the security challenges in Kaduna State by remaining firm in dealing with criminals who have been terrorising innocent citizens in recent times.

    Governor Lalong also appreciated Mallam El-rufai for not only providing suitable environment for the meetings of the Forum in Kaduna, but also making valuable contributions on various issues as well as heading critical committees set up by the Forum.

    While wishing him more years of good health, God’s protection and wisdom, Lalong charged Governor El-rufai to sustain his efforts in bringing development to Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

  • Ernest Shonekan Was A Gift To Nigeria Northern Governors 

    Ernest Shonekan Was A Gift To Nigeria Northern Governors 

    The Northern Governors Forum say former Head of the Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan was a gift to Nigeria who played a crucial role of holding Nigeria together during one of its difficult moments.

     

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement described the death of the elder statesman as a huge loss the entire country.

     

    He said the late Shonekan was an accomplished technocrat who distinguished himself in the world of business rising to the peak, before being called upon to serve the nation as the head of the Interim National Government.

     

    While commiserating with his family and the nation over this collosal loss, the Northern Governors said his legacies of patriotism, patience and tolerance will continue to endure.

     

    The Northern Governors also want Nigerians to honour his memory by working together to build democracy and good governance.