— Visit Borno on solidarity
Governors of the six north-eastern states yesterday vowed to unveil concrete mechanisms to tackle the persistent security challenges and bloodshed occasioned by the violent campaigns launched by the Boko Haram insurgents in the zone.
Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe state dropped the hint when he, alongside Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state and the Taraba state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, paid a solidarity visit to Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, at the Government House in Maiduguri yesterday.
Dankwambo said that the north-eastern state governors were seriously worried over the endless bloody attacks on innocent citizens, especially in Borno and Yobe states, stressing that urgent steps must be taken to reverse the ugly trend.
According to him, governors of the zone have resolved to form a consultative forum and map out a plan of action which would ensure restoration of peace and harmony for rapid socioeconomic development.
He explained: “We come out together with single voice to say that enough is enough for this bloodshed and resolved to be holding consultative discussions on how best to tackle the problem.
“We also decided to sit down and itemise developmental plan of action that would assist in the restoration of peace through tackling poverty and unemployment that have been bedeviling our teeming youth”.
The governor commended Shettima for the concrete steps he took to restore peace, saying, “Whatever happens to you also affects us and we will continue to rally behind you at all times.”
Also speaking, Governor Yuguda, who led the delegation, said they were in the state to show solidarity with the Borno state government and sympathize with it over the loss of lives, caused by the insurgency.
He appealed to the insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue.
Yuguda told Shettima: “Your Excellency, we are here to sympathize with ourselves over what is happening, especially the worst hit states of Borno and Yobe. As leaders in the North-east zone, we are challenged to ensure safety of the citizens, protect lives and properties, as well as restore order. Any time the human life is taken we don’t go to sleep. We are really concerned about what is happening. We are appealing to those behind the attacks to stop in the Name of Almighty Allah.
“Though the attacks may be triggered by one thing or the other, but so much blood has been spilled. We are appealing to our brothers, the young men who are involved in these attacks, to drop their arms and let us talk.
“Unless we have lasting peace, we people of the region will continue to wallow in hunger and poverty as no meaningful development would be realised”.
Responding, Shettima said: “Your Excellencies, we are delighted for the solidarity visit which indicates that we are not alone in this period of agony and sorrow. Your visit indicates that you are not just friends but members of our family. We the people of Borno would be eternally thankful to you”.
