Enough of empty meetings, Inuwa Yahaya tells Northern leaders

Says insecurity, poverty, underdevelopment demand action, not rhetoric

By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

DUTSE, JIGAWA — Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called for urgent and decisive action to tackle the worsening challenges of insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment in Northern Nigeria, declaring that the era of endless meetings and unimplemented resolutions must come to an end.

Speaking at the meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Dutse, Jigawa State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and embrace practical solutions capable of restoring peace, stability and prosperity across the region.

The high-level meeting, attended by governors, traditional rulers, security chiefs and representatives of the Federal Government, focused on the theme: “Peace, Unity and Development of Northern Nigeria.”

Describing the security situation in the region as alarming, the NSGF chairman said banditry, insurgency, communal conflicts and farmer-herder clashes had continued to devastate communities, undermine economic activities and weaken social cohesion.

“Without security, there can be no unity. Without security and unity, there can be no development,” he said.

Poverty, illiteracy fueling insecurity

Governor Inuwa Yahaya argued that insecurity in the North is rooted not only in criminality but also in decades of socio-economic neglect.

According to him, about 86 million people in Northern Nigeria live in multidimensional poverty, while the region accounts for the majority of the country’s out-of-school children.

He warned that widespread poverty, unemployment and limited access to education have created fertile ground for criminal gangs and extremist groups to recruit vulnerable youths.

The governor stressed that lasting security can only be achieved through a combination of military operations and socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the underlying causes of instability.

Calls for reforms

To reverse the trend, Inuwa Yahaya advocated comprehensive reforms, including the establishment of state police, increased investment in education and skills acquisition, youth empowerment programmes, agricultural revitalisation and enhanced support for security agencies.

He urged Northern leaders to demonstrate greater commitment to implementing resolutions and translating policy discussions into measurable results.

“Enough of meetings that do not produce results. Enough of communiqués that are not implemented. Enough of promises that are not followed by action,” he declared.

Condoles Katsina over slain retired General

The Gombe governor also expressed condolences to the government and people of Katsina State over the killing of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar by bandits.

Describing the incident as tragic, he said it underscored the reality that insecurity affects every segment of society.

“No one is safe until everyone is safe,” he stated.

Traditional rulers key to security

Inuwa Yahaya highlighted the strategic role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and security, urging royal fathers to intensify community vigilance and strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering.

“You are not just ceremonial figures; you are essential partners in security, unity and development,” he told the traditional rulers.

Stakeholders seek common solutions

In his remarks, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State acknowledged the numerous challenges confronting the region, including insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, climate-related pressures, drug abuse, declining social values and recurring farmer-herder conflicts.

He commended ongoing efforts by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve security through enhanced military operations, intelligence sharing and stronger collaboration with state governments.

Namadi also cited the recent North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina as a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation against insecurity.

Police, FG reaffirm commitment

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the meeting, a senior police official reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating crime and ensuring public safety across the country.

He described the Northern Traditional Rulers Council as a vital institution and stressed the need for sustained collaboration to confront emerging security threats.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the council for its contributions to peacebuilding and community mobilisation.

He assured participants that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address both the immediate and underlying causes of insecurity through targeted interventions in agriculture, education, economic empowerment and social inclusion.

Sultan urges reflection

Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the participation of governors and other stakeholders, describing it as evidence of their commitment to addressing the region’s challenges.

The Sultan urged citizens to continue supporting and praying for leaders at all levels while calling on leaders and communities to reflect on past mistakes and work collectively towards sustainable solutions.

The meeting ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration, effective implementation of policies and practical measures to address the growing security and socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria.

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