The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called for a united front to confront the rising security and socio-economic challenges threatening Northern Nigeria.
He made the call on Monday at the Joint Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Kaduna.
According to a statement by Ismaila hUba Misilli, the spokesman, Governor Yahaya said the region must act with urgency and collective resolve to protect its future.
He warned that recent abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kano, Niger, and Sokoto, along with renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe, show that insecurity has evolved into a national and existential threat.
He extended condolences to affected families and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the release of some abducted schoolchildren.
He said the Forum remains committed to supporting ongoing rescue operations.
“Without peace and security, there will be no politics to play, and no state or country to govern,” he said.
He warned that terrorists are deliberately attacking schools and farms to weaken the region’s foundation.
Governor Yahaya urged leaders and citizens to reject divisive narratives.
“Our people, Muslims and Christians alike, are victims of this violence. Our armed forces, drawn from every tribe and faith, are paying the supreme price. We must resist narratives that promote discord. That is exactly what our enemies want,” he said.
He noted that poverty, illiteracy, climate change, and weak infrastructure are key drivers of insecurity.
“lasting peace requires strong investments in human capital, economic opportunities, and infrastructure,” he said.
He said the large population of out-of-school children in the North remains a major concern for leaders.
He described the situation as “a stain on our collective conscience,” stressing that the region cannot ignore the long-term consequences.
He said Northern leaders must act decisively.
“We must move beyond rhetoric. Every child must be in school, and every young person must be equipped for a productive future,” he said.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed the North’s support for state policing.
He welcomed President Tinubu’s directive urging the National Assembly to expedite work on constitutional amendments for state police.
He asked lawmakers to treat the matter with the highest priority.
“Durable peace requires active roles for traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, political leaders, and citizens.”
He said future generations will judge today’s leaders by their ability to restore peace rather than by the projects they commission.
He stressed that the region must rise above politics to secure its existence.
“Now is not the time for politics; it is the time to ensure the very survival of the North and Nigeria at large. Let this meeting be remembered as a turning point, one that brought safety, hope, and prosperity to our people,” he said.
The host Governor, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, said the North is at a critical moment marked by security, economic, and social challenges.
He said the region can only succeed through joint strategies and shared responsibility.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the Forum for its commitment to addressing regional challenges.
He said traditional and religious institutions support the Forum’s ongoing engagements on security and social cohesion.
He urged the governors to remain united and focused on delivering practical solutions.
The meeting is expected to issue a communique outlining immediate and long-term steps.
