By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has issued a strong call for decisive action against the growing 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 held in Dutse, Jigawa State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders across the region to move beyond rhetoric and embrace practical solutions capable of restoring peace and prosperity to the North.
The high-level gathering, attended by governors, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and representatives of the Federal Government, focused on the theme: “Peace, Unity and Development of Northern Nigeria.”
Addressing participants, the NSGF Chairman described the security situation in the region as unprecedented and deeply alarming, noting that banditry, insurgency, communal conflicts, and farmer-herder clashes have continued to undermine economic activities, destroy livelihoods, and weaken social cohesion.
“Without security, there can be no unity. Without security and unity, there can be no development,” the governor stated.
Poverty and Illiteracy Fueling Insecurity.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya argued that the roots of insecurity in Northern Nigeria extend beyond criminality and are closely linked to decades of socio-economic neglect.
According to him, approximately 86 million people in Northern Nigeria are trapped in multidimensional poverty, while the region also accounts for the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.
He warned that widespread poverty, unemployment, and poor access to education have created fertile grounds for criminal gangs and violent extremist groups to recruit vulnerable youths.
The governor stressed that addressing insecurity requires a holistic approach that combines military operations with socio-economic interventions aimed at tackling the underlying causes of instability.
Call for Comprehensive Reforms
To reverse the disturbing trend, Governor Inuwa Yahaya advocated far-reaching 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 emphasized that Northern leaders must demonstrate greater commitment to implementing resolutions and translating policy discussions into concrete actions that positively impact citizens.
In one of the most emphatic moments of his address, the governor declared:
“Enough of meetings that do not produce results. Enough of communiqués that are not implemented. Enough of promises that are not followed by action.”
The statement resonated strongly with participants and underscored growing concerns about the effectiveness of previous interventions aimed at addressing the region’s challenges.
Condolence Over Katsina Tragedy
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed condolences to the government and people of Katsina State following the killing of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar by bandits.
Describing the incident as tragic and unfortunate, he said the attack serves as a grim reminder that insecurity affects every segment of society.
“No one is safe until everyone is safe,” he said.
Traditional Rulers as Critical Stakeholders
The Gombe governor highlighted the strategic role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and security, urging royal fathers to intensify community vigilance and strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering.
According to him, traditional rulers occupy a unique position within their communities and remain indispensable partners in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and security management.
“You are not just ceremonial figures; you are essential partners in security, unity and development,” he told the traditional rulers.
Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers Seek Common Solutions
In his remarks, the host governor, Malam 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.
Governor Namadi also cited the recent Northwest Peace and Security Summit held in Katsina State as a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation in tackling security challenges.
Police Reaffirm Commitment
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented at the event, reiterated 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 emphasized that the stability of Northern Nigeria remains crucial to national peace and development.
“We must sustain collaboration to confront emerging security threats on all fronts,” he said.
Federal Government Intensifies Efforts
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its enduring contributions to peacebuilding and community mobilisation.
He assured participants that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to address both the immediate and underlying causes of insecurity through targeted interventions in agriculture, education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
According to him, the North remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and national prosperity.
Sultan Calls for Reflection and Collective Responsibility.
Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the participation of the NSGF Chairman and other governors, 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, stressing that leadership is a sacred trust that must be exercised with responsibility and accountability.
He also called for introspection among leaders and citizens alike, urging all stakeholders to examine past actions, learn from previous mistakes, and work collectively toward sustainable solutions.
As Northern Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity and persistent socio-economic challenges, the gathering in Dutse reinforced a common message: the region’s future depends not on declarations alone, but on decisive actions, sustained collaboration, and the political will to transform resolutions into results.
