From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Joint Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council recently gathered in Kaduna, chaired by Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum.
In his opening remarks, Governor Yahaya expressed a “profound sense of responsibility” as the region faces escalating insecurity and poverty.
He extended his “deepest condolences and solidarity” to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kano, Niger, and Sokoto states in light of the recent abductions of schoolchildren and other innocent citizens, as well as to families affected by the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe states.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the “prompt release of some of the children” and reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to securing the safe return of those still in captivity.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that education is “the bedrock of our children’s future” and warned that attacks on schools represent an attack on the nation’s future. He urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and both local and international partners to prioritize the protection of schools and ensure a safe environment for learning and economic activities.
Describing the security situation in Northern Nigeria as having “escalated from a localized challenge to a national and existential threat,” he noted its impact across all faiths, ages, and social classes. “Now is not the time for politics; it is time for concerted action to ensure the very survival of the North and Nigeria as a whole,” he stated, adding that without peace and security, there would be “no politics to engage in and no state or country to govern.”
The Governor expressed “strong and unflinching support” for President Tinubu’s security initiatives while emphasizing that any international cooperation must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and territorial integrity.
He highlighted the multifaceted nature of the crisis, which is fueled by underdevelopment, illiteracy, lack of opportunities, climate change, environmental degradation, and poor resource management. To restore stability, he called for significant investments in human capital, critical infrastructure, and socio-economic opportunities.
Addressing the issue of Almajiri and out-of-school children, Governor Yahaya deemed the situation “unacceptable”. He urged coordinated action to enroll every child in school and equip them with skills for their future.
He called on the Forum to reaffirm its support for the swift implementation of state policing reform, referencing the communiqué from May 10, 2025. He praised President Tinubu for urging the National Assembly to create the necessary constitutional framework. He asked federal and state legislators to prioritize this reform while seeking full collaboration from the Federal Government.
The Governor appealed to traditional rulers to act as stabilizers, urged religious leaders to promote peace and tolerance, and called upon political leaders to refrain from exploiting ethnic and religious divisions for political gain. He urged security and law enforcement agencies to maintain proactive vigilance. He called for the judiciary to ensure the swift administration of criminal justice, while also prompting the public to recognize that security is “everyone’s business.”
Looking to the future, Governor Yahaya asserted that upcoming generations would be judged not by the number of projects commissioned but by whether they inherit a Northern Nigeria where they can move freely, feel safe, and enjoy prosperity.
He thanked the host, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, for his warm hospitality and expressed gratitude to his fellow governors and traditional rulers for their contributions. He concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong leadership and affirmed the Forum’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government to achieve lasting peace and stability.
In his welcome address, the host Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, called for visionary leadership to secure a peaceful and prosperous North.
Governor Sani urged his colleagues to draw on the “visionary spirit that has always defined Northern leadership” and to act decisively for the benefit of their people.
He reminded attendees that “our people deserve more than this,” encouraging them to reflect on pivotal choices made during critical moments and allow those memories to guide their current decisions.
“Let us remember the choices we made in moments like this,” the Governor stated, expressing gratitude for the commitment and presence of all participants. He added, “May our discussions today strengthen our unity and illuminate the path toward a more peaceful and prosperous union.”
Speaking at the meeting on behalf of traditional rulers from the region, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged governors of the Northern states to “double their efforts” and work in unity to confront the region’s worsening socioeconomic and security challenges.
“As leaders, we need to really tell ourselves the truth,” he said. “But I want to assure you, we are 100 percent with you in this drive to make the North a better place because we don’t have any other place to be.” He said.
The Sultan said the North was at a critical point that required sincerity, collaboration and unwavering commitment from its political and traditional leaders.
The Royal father said the gathering offered yet another opportunity for leaders to “deliberate seriously” on matters threatening the stability of the North and the unity of the country, adding that political leaders must be honest with themselves and with citizens.
