Anthony Iwuoma
The19 Northern governors are currently meeting, in Kaduna State, over the state of insecurity in the region and the controversial Value Added Tax (VAT), as well as the anti-open grazing stance of the 17 Southern governors.
Chairman of Northern Governors Forum (NGF), who is also the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, declared the meeting open, on Monday.
He said the meeting would also discuss the peace, progress and development of the region, among other national issues.
According to Governor Lalong, “You will recall that we met here in February this year to look at a wide range of issues concerning the well-being of our people.
“The meeting held at this Chamber was also attended by the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, and other Members of the National Assembly; the Chief of Staff to the President; Minister of Information and Culture; the Inspector General of Police; Director-General States Security Service; Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, amongst others.
“After hours of exhaustive deliberations, we arrived at several resolutions bordering on improving the security of our region; enhancing socio-economic prosperity of the people; addressing humanitarian challenges of internally displaced persons; building synergy with the Federal Government and our counterparts from other parts of the country among others.
“This Forum also received various reports from the Committees we earlier constituted and resolved to look into the Reports for implementation, while awaiting the completion of work on others.
“Various presentations were also made by individuals and corporate organisations for the development of the Region which we all agreed to carefully examine.
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“Today’s meeting is essentially to get an update on the progress made so far on some of those items particularly on addressing insecurity which is still a major concern in the region.
“We shall therefore take stock of how far we have gone in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency and also chart the way forward.
“In addition, we shall also take a critical look at some new national issues that have emerged over the recent months and weeks with a view to coming up with a position of the region as well as adopting the best possible approach to ensuring that the interest of the region is protected and promoted.
“Key among them is the issue of Value Added Tax collection and the surrounding controversy.
“As usual, I look forward to robust contributions from all members that will lead us to arrive at very meaningful conclusions that will impact positively on the fortunes of our people,” Governor Lalong said.
