Elegant outfit of governors a contrast to reality in North-east, by Comrade IG Iwala

Wallahi, I followed up the outcome of all the series of meetings held by the North East Governors Forum for all the year, yet I can’t point at one giant project or a follow-up project that was executed as a result of what was or were captured from any of their communique emanating from any of those meetings.

What could be the essence of 6 Governors of a whole region coming to sit for days and spend taxpayers money, yet no actions taken?

It is unfortunate that in almost every of those meetings, the communique issued were full of lamentations and call to Mr. President and the Security forces. They have always appeared weak and lame. Even on issues that seemed under their control, no action or no implementation but simply pronouncement.
Example, here is an extract from the media report as taken from communique of the 11th Meeting held in Yobe recently, reported by Voice of Nigeria (VON)

“The Forum praised the Federal Government’s efforts in enhancing national security, while calling for greater collaboration to address emerging threats in the North-East.
They were, however, concerned about the resurgence of insurgent activities in the region, urging security agencies and community leaders to review and strengthen their counter-insurgency strategies.
The North East Governors emphasised that the security crisis demanded a multidimensional response that extends beyond military action.
The Forum highlighted the need to tackle root causes such as youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and poverty.
They committed to expanding vocational and technical education, improving road networks, and enhancing access to quality education”

Year in year out, there have been such outcome without a piece of action from the governors. Except, their coming together as Governors of the region is for them to go through what they do in their respective states and commend themselves, not in the interest of the regional development, collectively.

Our expectations!
Everyone was expecting that the forum will categorically outline developmental plans and projects for the region and identify partners and finances which will strategically position the region above others in either agriculture, mining or health tourism. In essence, how can executive Governors turned into advocate, what happens to the powers to execute or implement?

What are the common resources of the region and shared assets? Land, sunlight, rivers, forest, commerce and citizens intellects are part of such regional assets to be explored for the benefit of the region collectively, but the fact that individual mindset of our leaders is centred on the readily available subversion coming from the federal government monthly, then there’s no point overstretching on other possible ways.

It’s time to look the other ways and think out of the box. Our region is one of the most challenged regions of the country, we have more liabilities than assets. We are the most vulnerable victims of terrorism and huge numbers of IDPs. Some parts of our LGAs and farms, dams, mountains and roads are in the hands of terrorists, instead of planting seeds for trees and food, landmines are planted to end our lives. To tackle these challenges, we need true visionary leaders with a proactive mindset. We need executives that will execute giants and modern infrastructure to empower and inspire generations to come.

Finally, may I commend your outfits and outlook, what an elegant display, but a contrast to the reality on ground. Your people are hungry, unsecured, jobless and battle with medical bill with no electricity.