NEGF: How to halt resurgence of security challenge in North-East – Gov. Buni

Yobe state Governor and host of the 11th North East Governors Forum meeting, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has charged Governors of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi states to evolve a workable synergy between the states, Federal government and the security agencies for a strategic approach to halt the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the region.

Buni made the call Thursday at the 11th meeting of the North East Governors forum in Damaturu.

“We must act fast to consolidate the gains achieved in peace, security and the socio-economic developments recorded in the last few years.

“My dear compatriots, we should as a matter of urgency, share our resolutions with the security chiefs and the relevant federal government agencies to deepen our working synergy, for a timely approach to halt the sad and ugly resurgence” he said.

According to him, the Forum had over the years, built strong relationships, and advanced regional cooperation among the member states, providing a common platform to collectively pursue common interests.

“As we settle down to commence this important meeting, it is an opportunity for us to review the resolutions of our previous meetings, reflect on how far we have achieved those resolutions, analyze the challenges, and consider workable alternatives to achieve our set goals”.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership to the country “at this very difficult time.

“Let me seize this opportunity to reassure Mr. President of our support to the policies and programmes of the Federal Government towards building a strong, united, peaceful and economically prosperous Nigeria” he assured.

Buni commended the bravery and courage of the officers and men of the various security organizations, Civilian JTF, Vigilante and Hunter groups, “some of whom have paid the Supreme price in the cause of defending their fatherland for us to have peace and security.

“l am optimistic the Forum would once again reflect on measures that would contribute to unlocking the economic potential of the region. This becomes necessary in view of the over dependence on federal allocation which is increasingly becoming unrealistic and more challenging in meeting our needs.

“Similarly, the need to generate employment opportunities for our youth is very necessary to avoid exposing them as veritable tools for recruitment into terrorism, banditry and other forms of social vices.

” As leaders, we have a moral obligation to make agriculture attractive, affordable and profitable through provision of machines, equipment and other inputs to exploit the rich vast arable lands and the massive population in the region to enhance food sufficiency, food security and economic prosperity” Governor Buni added.

Also speaking, Borno state Governor and Chairman of the Forum Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum said the renewed security challenges in some areas of the region is worrisome.

He assured support to security agencies to effectively fight the emerging resurgence.

Zulum urged the people of the region to embrace agriculture.

He also urged the people to adhere to NIMET warnings to organize their agricultural activities and avoid the menace of floods.