Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Monday welcomed governors of northern states and chairmen of the Council of Traditional Rulers of northern states, stressing the need for unity to address security challenges in the region.
In his welcome address, Sani commended the chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, for his leadership, as well as commending his fellow governors for their dedication to their people.
He also expressed respect for traditional rulers, recognizing their wisdom and stabilizing influence.
Sani noted that despite the progress made, the region faces a worrying trend towards the politicization of insecurity, in which some opposition actors amplify fear and erode public trust in governments.
“We must resist this behavior and work together to address the security situation,” Sani said. “We have a president who understands the North, values it and consistently demonstrates respect for our perspectives.”
Sani reiterated the need for a state police force, citing Nigeria’s centralized policing model as inadequate for a nation with more than 230 million people and vast ungoverned spaces.
He urged leaders to speak candidly, examine bold ideas and reflect the visionary spirit that defines the North’s leadership, saying: “Our people expect nothing less, and history will remember the decisions we made in times like this.”
Speaking at a meeting on behalf of the traditional rulers of the region, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Council of Northern Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the governors of the Northern states to “double down their efforts” and work in unity to address the growing socio-economic and security challenges in the region.
“As leaders, we need to tell the truth to ourselves,” he said. “But I want to assure you that we are 100 percent with you in this effort to make the North a better place because we have nowhere else to be.” Said.
The Sultan said the North is at a critical point that requires sincerity, collaboration and unwavering commitment from its political and traditional leaders.
The royal father said the meeting offered another opportunity for leaders to “seriously deliberate” on issues that threaten the North’s stability and the country’s unity, adding that political leaders must be honest with themselves and citizens.
READ MORE FROM: Newslodge