As Gov Yahaya Calls for Collective Action to Address North Challenges
By: Saeed Ahmad Bappah Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to tackle the pressing challenges of insecurity and under development in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the Government House in Gombe while receiving the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu (Wazirin Dutse), Governor Yahaya underscored the importance of unity, visionary leadership, and sustainable development in overcoming the region’s socio-political and economic obstacles.
The Governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, noted that with the North’s vast human and natural resources, stagnation and under development should not be an option.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Northern political leaders to fostering unity, social cohesion, and economic advancement for the collective prosperity of the region and Nigeria as a whole.
While acknowledging the complexities of coordinating the North due to its diverse demographics and political landscape, Governor Yahaya stressed that the region’s historical unity remains intact.
Despite global economic challenges, he assured that Northern leaders are dedicated to implementing impactful policies and programs to drive regional growth and development as the North has lost its value compared to during the days of late Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna.
Governor Yahaya further pledged the support of the Northern Governors for the ACF in its activities, including preparations for the Forum’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Addressing the issue of tax reforms, the Governor pointed out that periodic reviews of tax laws are essential to align with evolving economic realities. He emphasized that such reforms enable states to assert their rights and compete on equal footing with other regions in the country.
However, he reiterated that the Northern Governors had already made their position known on the matter, addressing key concerns, while the National Assembly continues its legislative deliberations on the proposed bills.
Earlier, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, explained that the delegation was in Gombe to brief Governor Yahaya who also serves as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum on the Forum’s activities and its renewed efforts to strengthen its mandate.
He expressed appreciation for the Governor’s unwavering support and leadership, particularly in fostering regional cooperation and development.
The BoT chair also informs the Governor in latest reform that is taking place in the forum which includes ACF online Radio, and all other social media handles to ease and fast tract communication world wide, Diaspora group membership is in place, the BoT Chair also said they have spoken with almost all the organization and groups across the North in respect of tribes, region, religion or party difference, for them to build one strong umbrella that can speak with one voice.
Our main mission is to make our voice heard and make our people more productive that can lead to reduction in poverty and jobless ness.
He said “A lot of things have happened to the North since the return of democracy in the year 1999 which if we have a strong umbrella that can voice out a strong stand many things won’t have happened to the North”.
He also said two reports in the reform of the North are ready, the leadership of the two reform committees was carefully selected and has been chaired by Alhaji Mahmud Yayalle Ahmad and the other one is chaired by General Danbazau retired former Chief of Army Staff.
The forum’s Chairman Mr Mamman Mike SAN, said governors have key roles to play in the reform and other initiatives by the current leadership, maintaining there’s need to meet with the governor and other state exco as matters arise.