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HOW THE NORTH CAN END INSECURITY – Govs, Emirs
After years of seeming inactivity and lack of direction on ways to end youth restiveness and general insecurity in Northern Nigeria, a joint meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Kaduna has resolved to develop a roadmap to tackle these problems. Our correspondent in Kaduna reports that the Northern leaders believe investing in education, skills development, job creation, and agriculture may be the best solution.
After receiving briefs from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other speakers, the Northern leaders agreed that creating pathways for youth to channel their energy into productive ventures may reduce their vulnerability to crime and other social vices.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting indicated that the Forum received detailed briefings on the real security challenges in the North and the efforts made by the military to address these issues. Following extensive deliberations, they agreed on the need for collaborations.
According to the communiqué, the meeting emphasized that Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potential, which, when fully harnessed, could significantly address root issues such as hunger, unemployment, lack of education, and negative social orientation.
The meeting further agreed that one sure way to reduce insecurity is through rapid re-industrialization of the North, focusing on reviving the textile value chain and developing other agro-allied industries.
It also resolved to provide adequate support to farmers in the region, including access to financing, modern farming techniques, and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems.
“Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region,” the communiqué stated.
On insecurity, the Northern leaders acknowledged recent gains against criminals, including the elimination of bandits and terror leaders, and resolved to sustain these achievements to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region. They commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment to ensuring community safety and took particular note of the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher J. Musa, praising his professionalism and innovative approach, which they said has strengthened the country’s security architecture.
“Nevertheless, more needs to be done to address pockets of challenges that persist in the Northern Region,” they added.
The leaders emphasized that traditional institutions are critical to achieving lasting peace and security in the region as they act as a bridge between the government and the people. They called for increased roles for Traditional Institutions to enhance cooperation with security agencies in combating kidnapping for ransom, banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, and other vices.
They sympathized with the victims of recent flood disasters in Maiduguri and other Northern states, as well as the families affected by the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State. The meeting noted that the situation underscores the need to reduce illiteracy, joblessness, and disregard for lawful cautions.
The governors and emirs also commiserated with other victims of terrorism, banditry, and similar criminal activities in the North and across Nigeria, expressing solidarity with them during these difficult times.
“We agreed to continue working with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected,” they affirmed.
They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reform initiatives in the livestock sector and pledged the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government’s livestock development initiatives. They also pledged continued engagement and idea-sharing with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee for better results.
Acknowledging the impact of climate change, which has contributed to recent floods in many parts of the North, the Northern Governors and emirs resolved to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure like canals and waterways to divert excess water toward irrigation activities, thus enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security.
They also agreed to support and join any initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of out-of-school children and improving educational outcomes in the sub-region, as declared in the communiqué.
However, the leaders expressed dismay over the recent Tax Reform Bill forwarded to the National Assembly, which they deemed skewed. They took exception to its contents, arguing that it is against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals, particularly the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) based on a derivation-based model.
They argued that companies remit VAT based on the location of their headquarters and tax offices, rather than where the services and goods are consumed, and therefore unanimously “reject the proposed tax amendments” and urged members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that could jeopardize the well-being of the region.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governors’ Forum and the emirs are not opposed to any policies or programs that will foster the growth and development of the country.”
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its intention to contest the 2027 presidential election despite the decision of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The party said Wike’s decision was personal and did not alter its position to participate in the presidential election with its candidate, Senator Sandy Onor. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, made the clarification on Wednesday.
According to the party, a recent conversation between Wike and Onor should not be interpreted as a political negotiation between the minister and the PDP.
“He told Nigerians that Sandy is his friend. And they only had a friendly discussion within the umbrella of friendship. So, that is just a personal discussion between him and his friend,” Mohammed said.
He added that Wike’s support for Tinubu did not prevent the PDP from fielding candidates for the presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
Wike had earlier clarified that his support in 2027 was specifically for Tinubu’s presidential re-election and did not amount to an agreement that the PDP would withdraw from other electoral contests. He also said he never promised that the PDP would abandon its candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
“I said I will support the President from day one. I never told Mr President I will join APC,” Wike said.
The minister also maintained that his proposed Rainbow Coalition was not an arrangement with the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather a platform through which politicians from different parties could mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.
The issue has generated disagreement with some APC governors, who have expressed concern about a political arrangement that could affect the party’s candidates at other levels.
APC Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, said the governors would not support any alliance or arrangement that could weaken the APC or adversely affect its candidates.
Meanwhile, APC presidential campaign council spokesperson Ima Niboro has urged Wike and APC governors to end their public exchanges and concentrate on political mobilisation.
“When I said tone down the rhetoric, I do not mean stop working. Stop talking, go and work,” Niboro said.
He urged political leaders to strengthen their grassroots structures and engage directly with voters rather than continue exchanging statements in the media.
“All this shouting is not taking anybody anywhere. Go and work. Go and establish your authority on your political base,” he said.
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