By OBSERVERS TIMES
The Northern States’ Governors’ Forum and the Councils of Traditional Rulers of the 19 northern states have jointly called on the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the legal framework for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
OBSERVERS TIMES report that In a landmark meeting held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, on Saturday, the governors and traditional rulers also announced that they have resolved the concerns previously raised over the contentious tax reform bills, signaling renewed support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.
The communiqué, read by the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted the importance of nonpartisan cooperation in tackling the developmental challenges facing Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.
“The forum reiterated its support for the creation of state police and urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the necessary legal framework for its implementation,” Governor Yahaya stated.
He further commended President Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to addressing security challenges and infrastructural deficits in the region. The governors pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to enhance support for federal security agencies and to bolster local initiatives aimed at combating insecurity.
A key resolution from the meeting was the urgent establishment of inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance along shared borders, aimed at improving regional security.
Addressing the earlier controversy over the tax reform bills, Governor Yahaya said: “Through constructive dialogue facilitated by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Economic Council, and consultations with National Assembly leadership, we have found a mutually beneficial way forward. This outcome underscores the value of inclusive governance, and we commend Mr. President for his openness and responsiveness.”
Despite these positive developments, the forum expressed concern over the deteriorating state of infrastructure in Northern Nigeria. Governor Yahaya acknowledged President Tinubu’s dedication to critical projects such as the Kaduna-Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, and the AKK gas pipeline, but lamented the neglect of other vital projects including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line, Kano-Maiduguri expressway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu expressway.
Senator Uba Sani, host governor and Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers’ Council, praised the unity between the Governors’ Forum and the Traditional Rulers’ Councils, emphasizing that their collaborative approach has strengthened Northern Nigeria’s collective voice and national standing, OBSERVERS TIMES.
“We have made progress, but much remains to be done,” Senator Sani said. “We must urgently develop and implement a roadmap addressing security, governance, and development challenges. Our people demand tangible results. We also commend President Tinubu’s focus on infrastructure, particularly the long-abandoned Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway, a vital link connecting the Federal Capital Territory to 12 northern states.”
In a related development, the North-West Governors’ Forum, which convened in Kaduna on Friday night, revealed plans to tackle insecurity, unemployment, and drug abuse – issues plaguing the zone. Governor Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, told reporters that the seven states of the North-West have agreed to collaborative efforts to drive development and address social challenges.
“We had fruitful deliberations and presentations from the Northwest Development Commission and the Federal Medical University, Funtua. We also focused on strategies to combat drug abuse,” Governor Radda stated. “Our collective commitment is to work together to bring the necessary development to the region.”
