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Tag: Northern Governors

  • Northern Governors Praise President Buhari For Railway Modernisation

    Northern Governors Praise President Buhari For Railway Modernisation

    Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his determination to transform the economy of the country through the entrenchment of rail transportation as a major means of moving people and goods. 

    Governor Lalong was speaking on behalf of his colleagues in Kano, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the third segment of Lagos Kano railway modernisation project performed by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

    According to the Governor, the Kaduna-Kano segment of the railway line is crucial to the development of Nigeria and particularly the Northern Region which has a lot of economic activities and a large population. 

    He said the vision of reconnecting all parts of the country by rail is a great legacy for the Buhari Administration which must be supported by all Nigerians. He assured the President of the support of all Northern Governors in the process of constructing, managing and safeguarding the rail infrastructure within the region. 

    President Muhammadu Buhari expressed delight that the Kaduna-Kano leg of the railway modernisation project is taking off after the successful deployment of the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja Kaduna segments and other rail segments across the country. 

    He said the Kano-Kaduna construction is part of the general plan to link the seaport with inland ports that will provide more opportunities for businessmen to import goods and recieve them in the hinterland, thereby decongesting the ports and saving time and resources. 

    Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi said the groundbreaking ceremony is a confirmation of the success story of the Buhari administration in reviving the railways and giving Nigerians a new lease of life. 

    He said the line will have one of the biggest stations in Nigeria which will serve passengers of the Kano-Maradi route. He said over twenty thousand jobs will be created in the cause of the construction of the Kaduna-Kano rail line. 

  • Northern Governors Condemn Killing Of Ahmed Gulak/ Kidnap Of Students In Niger State

    Northern Governors Condemn Killing Of Ahmed Gulak/ Kidnap Of Students In Niger State

    The Northern Governors Forum has described the assassination of Former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters Ahmed Gulak as most unfortunate and totally condemnable. 

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong while reacting to the killing said the sad event is a criminal act that must be condemned in totality. 

    Lalong said the killing of Gulak must be seen as a criminal act and treated as such, warning against insinuations and politicization that could lead to further violence. 

    He said the report by the police that it has identified and engaged the suspected killers of the late politician should further be consolidated upon to enable security agencies forestall future occurrence. 

    Meanwhile the Northern Governors Forum has also expressed disgust over yet another abduction of innocent citizens across 3 local Government areas of Niger State including students and teachers of an Islamiya school. 

    Governor Lalong said this horrible situation needs to be brought to an end in order to give respite for the people to engage in their legitimate activities without molestation. 

    He reiterated the commitment of the Forum in working with the security agencies and the Federal Government in tacking the ugly level of insecurity in the region and the nation at large. 

  • Northern Governors Shocked Over Death Of Chief Of Army Staff

    Northern Governors Shocked Over Death Of Chief Of Army Staff

    The Northern Governors Forum has expressed deep shock over the air crash involving an airforce plane that killed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his aides and crew members in Kaduna. 

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Forum is distressed over the sad incident which claimed the lives of the Army Chief and other officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces who were on an official assignment in the cause of advancing the security and peace of the country. 

    Lalong said this is another sad day in the history of the nation as it has lost patriotic Nigerians who gave their lives to the defence of the territorial integrity of the country, and also ensuring that its citizens live in peace and security. 

    He said ” Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was a committed soldier whose passion for defending Nigeria was very clear throughout his military career even before his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff. Since his appointment, we have engaged him as Northern Governors Forum and individually as Governors towards enhancing the security and safety of our States, region and the nation at large. Within the few months he held sway, we have seen improvements and high resolve to bringing an end to insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities. We had  been working on consolidating this before this tragic incident that took his life and that of others working with him. We are highly shocked and pained”. 

    Lalong while condoling with the the President and Commander in Chief Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army, families of the deceased officers and men, as well as the entire Nigerian Armed Forces said the sad event is deeply regrettable but should not deter the Armed Forces from giving their best in the service of the nation just as the deceased COAS, officers and men did before their tragic death. 

    He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort their families. 

  • Buhari meets Northern governors

    Buhari meets Northern governors

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, met behind closed doors with some state governors from the Northern part of the country.

    The meeting held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja was also attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari.

    The governors who met with the President include Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong; Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello; and Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

    Details later…

  • Northern Governors Sympathise With Army Over Killing Of Soldiers In Benue

    Northern Governors Sympathise With Army Over Killing Of Soldiers In Benue

    The Northern Governors Forum has sympathised with the Nigerian Army over the killing of 12 soldiers in Konshisha LGA, Benue State, describing it as a condemnable act which must not be allowed to happen again as it is capable of demoralising security personnel from giving their best to fighting insecurity in the country. 

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the forum sympathises with the families of the slain soldiers and the Nigerian Army over this unfortunate incident, which occurred when the soldiers were on an assignment to ensure the security of lives and properties. 

    The Forum urges the Army not to be discouraged by the act and continue carrying out their legitimate duty of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and assisting in maintaining internal security, particularly at this time when the nation is confronted by many criminal activities. 

    While pledging its continued support and collaboration to the Armed Forces and the security services in general, the Northern Governors appealed to the Army to remain professional and exercise caution and restraint even as they work hard to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

    The Governors also called on the citizens to assist the security forces with useful information that will lead to the arrest of those behind the killing of the soldiers as well as the apprehension of other criminals tormenting innocent citizens across the country.

  • Northern Governors Task Acting IG On Proactive Security Measures

    Northern Governors Task Acting IG On Proactive Security Measures

    The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba over his recent appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to pay attention to proactive measures in tackling crime in the country.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the appointment of the Acting IGP is well deserved considering his track record of diligent service to the nation across various police formations in the country.

    While wishing him a successful tenure, Governor Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum will accord him all the necessary support to enable him provide the leadership needed for proactive policing that deters crime, effectively tracks criminals and generally attracts the goodwill of the public.

    He said “as Northern Governors, we remain committed to Community Policing and any other measure that will lead to securing our region which has been bedeviled by different forms of insecurity. We must work together to adopt new measures that will not only enable us overcome these challenges, but also remain on top of the situation by preventing criminals from carrying out their nefarious activities”.

    Lalong said the Northern Governors are particularly concerned that the farming season is at hand and many farmers may be discouraged from cultivating their farms if crimes such as banditary, kidnapping and insurgency are not brought to and end.

    The Northern Governors Forum Chairman called on Nigerians to support the Acting IGP and the entire security architecture for a more secure nation.

  • Northern Governors Condemn Attack On Governor Ortom

    Northern Governors Condemn Attack On Governor Ortom

    The Northern State’s Governors Forum Forum has condemned in totality the attack on the convoy of Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, describing it as a disturbing development which must be investigated thoroughly. 

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the attack on Governor Ortom was yet another daring attempt by criminals to cause mayhem not only in Benue State but in the nation as a whole. 

    While praising the security details of the Governor for repelling the attack and securing the Governor and members of his entourage, Lalong said relevant security agencies must carry out detailed investigation to fish out those behind the attack and their sponsors. 

    According to him, all hands must be on deck to tame this degeneration of security in the country that threatens the corporate existence of the nation.

    Lalong said the Northern Governors stand in solidarity with their colleague and the entire people of Benue State, assuring that they will continue to engage and support security agencies in their duty of securing the region and nation at large.

  • ZAMFARA ABDUCTION: NORTHERN GOVERNORS SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

    ZAMFARA ABDUCTION: NORTHERN GOVERNORS SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

    Again, the Northern States Governors Forum has condemned another attack on Government Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State where where hundreds of schoolgirls were abducted.

    In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said this trend is unacceptable and strong measures must be taken to put an end to it before it escalates into a monster that will consume educational pursuit and national aspirations.

    Governor Lalong said this development which is coming on the heels of the abduction of school children in Kagara, Niger State still being addressed, calls for serious concerns among all Nigerians.

    He said “as Northern Governors, we are deeply saddened by this embarrassing and unfortunate attack on our children who are in schools to seek knowledge and build capacity to impact the nation and create a better society. The assault on schools where innocent and harmless students are targeted should not be condoned in any way because it has the tendency to set the nation back to ignorance and more poverty. The Northern part of the country in particular is more educationally disadvantaged and cannot afford to have these disruptions. Enough is enough”.

    The Northern Governors therefore urged security agencies to use every asset at their disposal to rescue the children and bring to justice those behind the act. They also want Nigerians to support the security agencies and government with credible information that will lead to swift resolution of the situation.

    Lalong sympathised with the families of the abducted school children, the people and Government of Zamfara State, assuring them of the support of the Forum in tackling the problem.

    The Northern Governors Forum rose from their meeting in Kaduna on Thurday where they resolved to take far reaching measures to address insecurity and other challenges of the region and the nation at large.

  • Insecurity: Northern Governors resolves to work with FG, Southern Govs, others – Communique

    ….As Ortom absent
    By Gabriel Udeh,, KADUNA
    The Northern States Governor’s Forum (NSGF) in its effort to address the challenges bedeviling the region, have resolved to work assiduously and jointly with the Federal Government in tackling the challenges of insecurity in the Country and create conducive atmosphere for socio-political economic growth and development of the Country.
    The Forum also reiterated its commitments to work in synergy with their Southern
     counterparts and appealed to them to extend their presence in the northern part of the country in order to enable harmonious and peaceful coexistence among citizens and other ethnic nationalities.
    In a communique, after extensive deliberation in Thursday in Kaduna, the forum also resolved that the Northern Governors forum would partner with the traditional institutions, religious leaders and all relevant stakeholders in the entrenchment of communal harmony, peace and security of the region and the country at large.
    Signed by the forum’s Chairman and Governor of Plateau State Mr Simon Bako  Lalong, NSGF further resolved to put more efforts in enhancing the security and safety of all schools within their domains and therefore urged the Nigerian Security Agencies to collaborate with the various States Governments towards achieving this noblie objectives.
    The Forum also resolved to address all humanitarian challenges facing the internally displaced persons through provision of enabling facilities and re-integration back to their communities.
    The Forum further resolved that all the States would work in synergy with the security agencies to address the intra and inter border porosity in order to arrest illicit / illegal border movement.
    Governor’s  Forum also resolved to address the menace of ‘Yan’Sakai’ (Volunteer Vigilante Service Providers) in some States through meaningful engagements and legislation.
    Forum reiterated its commitment towards inclusion of the rural dwellers especially farmers/herders through the provision of equitable opportunities for socio-economic and political participation both in public and private sectors.
    The meeting resolved to collaborate with meaningful individuals and corporate organizations to invest in areas of Agriculture and Mining Industries in order to improve the economy of the Northern Region and Nigeria at large.
    The Forum calls for due diligence in the execution of the Federal Government initiative in its economic sustainability plan wherein N700 billion is earmarked for the project in order to address farming, animal husbandry and other agro-allied business. This effort will create jobs opportunities thereby creating wealth for our teaming population.
    The Forum received various reports from the Committees constituted by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and resolved to look into the Report for possible implementation.
    Various presentations were also made by individuals and corporate organizations for the promotion of the Region.
    The meeting held at the council chamber, sir kashim Ibrahm house, government house , kaduna, was attended by the Deputy Speaker and other Members of the National Assembly, the Chief of Staff to the President and Minister of Information and Culture.
     Others are Inspector General of Police, Director General States Security Service, Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto amongst others.
  • Northern Governors abrogates open grazing 

    Northern Governors abrogates open grazing 

    … Say’s it’s no longer sustainable
    By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
    Northern States Governors, Traditional Rulers and Security Chiefs on Thursday met in Kaduna to discuss the alarming rise in security threats and other socioeconomic problems in the region.
    During his opening address, the governor of plateau state and chairman of the 19 northern states  Governors,  Simon Lalong said open grazing of cattle can no longer be sustained for obvious reasons..
    The meeting which took place at the Kaduna state government house came barely two weeks after governors of the Northwest zone held a similar meeting with the service Chiefs and the National Security Adviser to discuss ways to address the issue of banditry and kidnapping bedeviling the zone.
    Among the governors attended meeting were those of Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, as well as the deputy Governors of Bauchi, Kogi, Zamfara, Benue, and Niger states.
    Also in attendance was the Chief of Staff to the president, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, the Inspector General of Police, the Minister of Information and Culture, and the Director-General State Security Services.
    Others are traditional Rulers led by the sultan of Sokoto and representatives of the Northern Elders Forum.
    In their opening remarks, the host Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and the Chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong said the meeting is long overdue and crucial for the progress of the north and the country in general.
    While El-Rufai urges his colleagues to adopt strategies to forestall all forms of security challenges in the north, Governor Lalong regrets the attacks and killings menacing the region, noting that it is the responsibility of governors and other leaders to find lasting solutions to the problem.
    He also described the recent kidnap of school children in Government Science Secondary School Kagara, Niger State as well as travelling passengers as a wake-up call for leaders and also as a sad reminder of the difficult situation the north is facing.
    On the issue of herder-farmer clashes which has in recent weeks generated serious concerns because of the harsh rhetoric from various parts of the country, Lalong agreed that open grazing is no longer sustainable for obvious reasons, hence, he also said that the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) also keyed into the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) as a veritable option that will go a long way in ending the clashes through organised ranching.
    The northern governors also appealed to their colleagues in other parts of the country and all citizens particularly opinion leaders to be cautious in their utterances and actions, warning that such unguided utterances could provide the oxygen for the exploitation of the nation’s fault lines to the detriment of the entire country.
    During the meeting, the leaders were expected to take a hard and critical look at the conflicts and come up with implementable ways and means of addressing them squarely.