Northern Govs Set up Regional Fund to Combat Insecurity, States to Contribute N1bn Monthly, Back Creation of State Police

By John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) on Monday resolved to establish a regional Security Trust Fund to tackle the worsening security crises in the North.Each state and its local governments are to contribute a combined monthly sum of N1 billion, to be deducted at source under a framework to be agreed upon.The decision was reached at a meeting between the governors and Northern traditional rulers in Kaduna.The communique was signed by the Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya.“After exhaustive deliberations on critical issues of common interest impacting both the region and the nation, the forum hereby presents the following communiqué”, it reads.“The forum commends all members and our Royal Fathers for their steadfast commitment to the unity, security, stability, and development of the region.“At this pivotal juncture in our history, we recognise that only through unity, peer review and cooperation can we overcome the pressing challenges before us. Accordingly, we reaffirm our resolve to confront these challenges with firmness and clarity in order to fulfil our constitutional responsibility.“The forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the Governments and good people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano States following the recent killings and abductions of school children and other innocent citizens, as well as to the victims of the Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe States.”The forum commended President Bola Tinubu “for leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the prompt release of some of the abducted children and in handling other security challenges.”The governors also commended the sacrifices of security personnel who continue to battle various forms of violent insurgencies across the country.The NSGF resolved to renew its support for every step to be taken by the President in taking the fight against insurgents to their enclave in order to bring an end to the criminality.“The forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of State Police.“Accordingly, the forum encourages National and States Assembly members in the region to expedite action for its actualisation.“The forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria, the Forum therefore resolved to strongly recommend to the President to direct the Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining exploration for a period of six months to allow proper audit.“Subject all mining Licences to revalidation for a period of six months in active consultation with the various State Governors and in the process arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining.“In order to effectively confront the security crises in the North, the forum resolved to set-up a regional Security Trust Fund to be funded with monthly contribution of One Billion Naira from each state and local governments to be deducted at source under a framework to be agreed upon”, the communique statedThe meeting was attended by the governors of the 19 Northern States and their traditional rulers.