The North East Governors’ Forum on Thursday said the poor state of roads in the subregion is fuelling insecurity and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act on abandoned projects.
They also resolved to adopt a multidimensional approach to tackle the security challenges facing the subregion.
The decision was announced in a nine-point communiqué read by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas at the end of the forum’s 11th meeting held in Damaturu, Yobe State.
According to the forum, both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies must be employed to address the root causes of insecurity, including youth unemployment, poverty, poor infrastructure, and weak education systems, among others.
The forum acknowledged the efforts of the federal government in addressing the myriad of security challenges across the country.
It also expressed concern over the renewed attacks in the North East.
The meeting, chaired by Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, was attended by the governors of Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba states, while Bauchi State was represented by the deputy governor.
Others in attendance were secretaries to the state governments of the six states in the subregion, traditional rulers, security chiefs and heads of relevant agencies, among other personalities.
The forum also announced that its 12th meeting will be held from July 27 to 29 in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Resurgence of Boko Haram attacks
Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, had recently raised the alarm over escalating attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
Over the past months, communities in Borno have suffered relentless assaults, with insurgents targeting villages and military formations, particularly in Sabon Gari, Wajiroko, and Wulgo, where they dislodged troops and stole arms and ammunition, among other acts.
Both Zulum and the Shehu stated, during an expanded security meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri, that Abadam, Marte and Guzamala local government areas were under the control of Boko Haram.
They also raised concerns that Borno State and the North East share borders with three neighbouring countries – Chad, Cameroon, and the Republic of Niger – emphasising the security threats in the Sahel region.
Zulum urged the federal government and the military to take the battle to the terrorists in Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills in the Sambisa Forest.
He also cited the Tumbuns area, an island in Lake Chad, where the terrorists operate freely without any military deterrence.
Poor roads fuelling insecurity
The governors expressed concern that deteriorating road infrastructure in the North East is exacerbating insecurity and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the completion of long-abandoned development projects in the subregion.
The communique said, “The forum notes that the poor road network in the subregion contributes significantly to insecurity. It calls on Mr President to urgently address the issue of abandoned projects that are critical to poverty alleviation, security and the overall development of the subregion.
“The forum reaffirms its commitment to opening up the subregion to investment opportunities, promoting agriculture for food security, combating climate change, enhancing skill acquisition, and fostering industrialisation to provide employment for the teeming youths vulnerable to recruitment by insurgents.”
Reappraise counterinsurgency efforts – Military urged
The communiqué said, “The forum notes with dismay the rising activities of insurgents in the subregion and calls on the armed forces, other security agencies, and community leaders to reappraise their strategies in the counterinsurgency efforts across the subregion.
“The forum notes that addressing the security challenge in the North East requires a multidimensional approach, not only through kinetic strategies but also by tackling root causes such as youth unemployment via vocational and technical education, improved road networks, enhanced education, and poverty reduction.
“The forum is committed to addressing security challenges by tackling the current situation while also resolving some of the underlying causes.”
Resurgence of insurgency disturbing – Buni
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, expressed concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in various parts of the North East.
He noted that the evolving trends of terrorist attacks are worrisome and called for the deployment of superior technology to tackle the situation.
“This should be critically examined with the aim of developing a working synergy between the states, the federal government, and security agencies for a strategic approach to address the resurgence.
“We must act swiftly to consolidate the gains achieved in peace, security, and socio-economic development over the past few years,” he said.
Buni urged the forum to promptly share the meeting’s resolutions with security chiefs and relevant federal agencies to facilitate a rapid and coordinated response.
He also stated that the forum would explore economic opportunities, especially in agriculture, to reduce dependence on federal allocations and provide employment for the youth.
“We must make agriculture attractive, affordable, and profitable by providing machinery, equipment, and input support to harness our vast arable lands and human capital,” he added.
Governor Buni expressed appreciation to his counterparts from Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states, describing their physical presence at the meeting as a demonstration of their commitment to peace, unity, and development in the North East.
The governor also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, the Civilian JTF, and other security volunteers, many of whom, he said, had made the ultimate sacrifice for peace in the subregion.
Enrolling almajirai, out-of-school children into formal education
The governors resolved to work closely with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education by providing office spaces in each state, supporting the enrolment of almajirai and out-of-school children into formal schools, and ensuring access to vocational and technical education.
They also agreed to develop a unified strategy for addressing the menace in the subregion.
They called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to recommit to its core mandate of rebuilding the subregion after the devastation caused by insurgency and to be more proactive in implementing existing projects by adhering to project delivery timelines.
Our people need necessities of life – Zulum
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, urged his counterparts in the North East geopolitical zone to create opportunities and provide citizens with the necessities of life.
Zulum, who chairs the North East Governors’ Forum, noted that the level of poverty in the subregion is so alarming that it requires a collective approach by the leaders to address it.
“As governors, we have a sacred responsibility to our people. We must provide them with the necessities of life, create opportunities for them to thrive, and ensure they live in a peaceful and secure environment. But we cannot do all this alone.
“We need each other’s support, cooperation, and understanding. We must recognise that our successes are tied to the success of our subregion. Our collective progress depends on our ability to work together, share resources, and leverage our strengths.
“The poverty level in our region is alarming, and we must take bold steps to address this challenge. We must recognise that poverty is not just an economic issue but also a social and humanitarian crisis,” Zulum said.
He emphasised the need for a unified approach to combating terrorism, banditry, and other security threats destabilising the subregion.
“Our forum’s determined efforts in collectively tackling the issues affecting our region have made us a force to be reckoned with in the nation. I urge all well-meaning citizens of our subregion to support and work with us in the interest of our people’s development,” he added.
He also highlighted the need for short- and medium-term measures by the governors to address these challenges.
“We must focus on rebuilding and revitalising our agricultural sector. This includes supporting farmers, investing in irrigation systems, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
“We must also work towards creating an enabling environment for establishing small- and medium-scale industries.
“This includes investing in infrastructure, providing incentives for private sector investment, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Today, we come together not to lament our problems, but to propose durable solutions,” he added.
