Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has congratulated Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong, on his appointment as Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum, while urging him to find solution to the spate of insecurity in the region.
The North as part of Nigeria has been bedevilled by insecurity such as Boko Haram insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping and communal clashes.
Speaking in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, ACF said the appointment of the “astute politician and bridge builder”, should further unify the region for development, address insecurity in the region and provide succour for the people of the 19 Northern states.
“The election of Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, the Governor of Plateau state as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) by his colleagues at their meeting held on the 17th May 2019 in Kaduna was not only timely but appropriate, considering his amiable disposition, humility and experience in governance.
“Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) heartily congratulates Governor Lalong as the new Chairman of the Forum and urge him to bring his wealth of experience and goodwill acquired at both the legislative and executive arms of government to bear in promoting Northern developmental interests within the context of one Nigeria.
“ACF is confident that as a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and an astute politician, Governor Lalong will surely build bridges of understanding, respect and good relations with other Northern governors to tackle the challenges of insecurity, mistrust among various communities, illiteracy, poverty and unemployment that have bedeviled the region.
“There is the need to therefore evolve a common road map that will urgently address the banditry, herders/farmers clashes and kidnappings that are threatening our peaceful coexistence and economic activities.
“ACF calls upon other state governors in the North to team up and support Governor Lalong’s effort in providing a credible leadership that will collectively enhance our people both politically and economically.”
