The Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) has praised President Bola Tinubu's ongoing commitment to national security while highlighting serious concerns about recent security deterioration across the region.
Speaking at a joint meeting of the NSGF and Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna on Saturday, Forum Chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the critical nature of the gathering amid escalating regional challenges that "demand nothing less than collective wisdom and decisive action."
The governors acknowledged the troubling resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North-East alongside devastating violence in the North-Central, calling for an immediate strategic reassessment and enhanced coordination between federal, state, and local security frameworks.
The forum expressed profound condolences to the governments and citizens of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe States, as well as the broader northern population affected by recent deadly attacks. "These mindless acts of violence against innocent citizens remind us of the urgent need to redouble our security efforts and ensure that adequate security measures are vigorously implemented for the safety of our people," Governor Yahaya stated.
Host Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State remarked on the significance of the forum's unity despite regional diversity. "Despite our differences, the two bodies have found a way of forging consensus on critical issues and marching forward as united platforms. This approach has solidified Northern unity and garnered national respect for the Forum and Council. We must continue in this spirit," he urged.
The high-profile meeting saw attendance from governors of multiple northern states including Zamfara, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Yobe, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Kogi.
Prominent traditional leaders were also present, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Zazzau, and the Etsu Nupe, underscoring the unified approach to addressing the region's mounting security challenges.