*Restate urgent need for state police
*Demand suspension of illegal mining as major cause of insecurity
By Mohammed Danlami
The Northern Governors’ Forum has concluded its meeting with traditional rulers in the region with a resolution to float a Regional Security Trust Fund.
Each state is mandated to make a monthly contribution of ₦1 Billion along with their local government areas.
The meeting was held on Monday, December 1 at the Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
Those who attended included the Governors of the 19 Northern States and Chairmen of the 19 Northern States Traditional Rulers’ Councils.
The contributions will be deducted at source under a framework to be agreed upon, the Forum said, according to a communique issued at the end of the meeting.
It was signed by Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum.
The Governors believe that the Fund will contribute to effectively confront the security crises in the North.
The communique noted that after thorough deliberations on critical issues of common interest impacting both the region and the nation, the Forum made a resolution which included a reaffirmation of its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of State Police.
Accordingly, the Forum encouraged National and States Assembly members in the region to expedite action for its actualisation.
The Forum commended all members and Royal Fathers for their steadfast commitment to the unity, security, stability and development of the region.
It said interalia: “At this pivotal juncture in our history, we recognise that only through unity, peer review and cooperation can we overcome the pressing challenges before us. Accordingly, we reaffirm our resolve to confront these challenges with firmness and clarity in order to fulfill our constitutional responsibility.
“The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the Governments and good people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano States following the recent killings and abductions of school children and other innocent citizens, as well as to the victims of the Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe States.
“The Forum commends the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the prompt release of some of the abducted children and in handling other security challenges. We equally commend the sacrifices of our servicemen in uniform who continue to battle various forms of violent insurgencies across the country.
“Consequently, the Forum resolved to renew its support for every step to be taken by the President and Commander- In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria in taking the fight against insurgents to their enclave in order to bring an end to the criminality.
“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria, the Forum therefore resolved to strongly recommend to the President to direct the Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining exploration for a period of 6 (six) months to allow proper audit. Subject all mining Licences to revalidation for a period of six months in active consultation with the various State Governors and in the process arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining.”
