NGF URGES FGN TO ADDRESS ELECTRICITY BLACKOUT IN THE NORTH

By Gambo Abubakar Kaduna

 The Northern states governors forum and the traditional rulers councils have called on the federal government and others relaxants agencies to urgently address the the current electricity power blackout affecting most of the northern states.

 The appealed was contained in a communiqué signed and delivered by the forum's Chairman also the Gombe state governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the end of the joint meeting with Northern Traditional Ruler' Council (Emirs and Chiefs), held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

  The meeting was also briefed on the security challenges in the north by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, which extensively deliberated on matters of common interest,, have also resolved to  the following issues;

  According to communique the Forum however, extends their deepest sympathies to the victims of the recent flood disasters in Maiduguri and other parts of the North, as well as to the families affected by the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State.

 The Forum also commiserates with the victims of terrorism, banditry other criminal activities in the North and Nigeria at large, and stand in solidarity with them during these difficult times. 

 "We agreed to continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected."

   The Forum further, emphasises that,the Traditional Institutions are critical in the quest for lasting peace and security in the region. Forum also acknowledged their commitment in bridging the gap between the Government and the people.

   And also advocates to increased roles for the Traditional Institutions to maximize cooperation with security agencies in the fight against kidnap for ransom, banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, farmers/herder clashes and other forms of criminality.

  The Forum however, acknowledges the recent gains made against criminals, especially the elimination of bandits and terror leaders. However, we resolved to sustain these gains in order to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region. 

  The Forum also commend the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment in ensuring that the communities are safe and secure. Particularly we commend the untiring commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff General C. J Musa.

 "Whose professionalism and innovative approach has made difference in security architecture of the Country at large."

  The communique further explained that, 'With the recent "End Bad Governance" protests  in 4th of August, the Forum resolved to scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, job creation and pathways for the youth to chanel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices.

 The however Forum agrees that, 'Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potentials, which, if fully harnessed, can significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth. 

  "We resolved to provide adequate support to the farmers, including access to financing, modern farming techniques and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems."

 "Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed the people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region. That can be achieved through re-industrialisation of the North."

   "Especially by reviving the textile value chain and development of other agro-allied industries amongst others."

   The Forum  have  also commended  Bola Ahmad Tinubu for the reform initiative in the livestock sub-sector and agreed to provide the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government livestock development initiatives. 

 The Forum also agreed to sustain engagement and cross-fertilization of ideas with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to achieve greater results.

   The Forum further  acknowledges the fact that climate change has greatly affected our environment resulting in the recent flood incidents in many parts of the North.

   "Resolved to partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure like canals and waterways to divert excess water and channel them towards irrigation activities, thus enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding food security. 

 The Forum have all agrees to support and key-in to any initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of out-of-school-children and improving educational outcomes in the sub-region.

 The Forum have also noted that "with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. 

 "The contents of the Blare against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model."

 This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not wnere the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.

  The Forum also assured that, the Northern Governor' Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the Country.

  The Forum however calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised.

On the present economic hardship affecting the Country, the forum have further appealed to all citizens to remain calm, as te states and Federal Government are working hard to  implement measures that will cushion effects of the hardship.

 Earlier in his addressed,the Kaduna state governor Malam Uba Sani, has welcomed all the governors and traditional Chiefs whose have humble and get opportunity to answer the invitations.

 "Today's meeting have shown a cordial relationship between governors and traditional rulers, for  the commitment, desire and the caliber of unity of the region".

 Some of the governors attended the meeting are; Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Gombe,Bauchi, Sultan of of sokoto,among others.