Buni Harps On Synergy To Halt Security Challenges In North East
Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni has charged Governors of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi states to evolve workable synergies involving security agencies and the Federal government to halt the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the region.
Buni made the call today at the opening of 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 has over the years, built strong relationships and advance regional cooperation among member states, while providing common platform to pursue their common interest.
“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,” Buni added.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership to the country “at this very difficult time”, and reassured their support to his policies and programmes, targeted to building a strong, united, peaceful and economically prosperous Nigeria.
Buni commended the bravery and courage of officers and men of the Nigerian military, security agencies, the Civilian JTF, Vigilante and Hunters groups, “some of whom have paid the supreme price in the cause of defending their fatherland for us to have peace and security”.
The governor expressed optimism that the Forum would come up with measures to unlock the economic potentials 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.”
In his speech, 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, and assured support to security agencies to effectively fight the emerging security challenges,
Zulum urged the people of the region to embrace agriculture, and to adhere to the warning on weather patterns issued by NIMET, so as to organise their agricultural activities properly, avoid draught and flooding.
