North-East states partner security agencies to protect lives

Plan regional power generation
The governors of the Northeast states have ordered their attorneys general to liaise with security agencies to enhance protection of lives and property in region.

The order was contained in a 14-point communique issued at the end of a meeting of the six governors held at the Government House, Gombe at the weekend.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who read the communiqué, said: “The six attorney generals are to meet various security agencies on how to enhance security in the sub-region.”

The governors resolved to support all initiatives that would ensure the completion of the Mambila hydro-power project for improved productivity in the sub-region and nation. They also agreed to look into the possibility of regional power generation and examine the ownership of electricity distribution companies.

It was learnt that the governors discussed extensively with Lafarge Holcim, owners of Ashaka Cement Company, on the need to address road infrastructure deficit by taking advantage of the Executive Order 7 of the Federal Government.

The six-member forum agreed to examine the agricultural potentials of the region and to conduct baseline studies with a view to providing a robust agricultural value chain.

According to the statement, the harnessing of agricultural potentials will boost food security in the region.

The forum however, lamented the deplorable condition of the Lake Chad Basin and urged the Federal Government to come out with a comprehensive water resource management plan that will speed up the process of water transfer from the Congo River.

They also resolved to key into the environmental initiatives of the Federal Government, including the Great Green Wall (GGW) and other afforestation programmes in the far North.

The forum which commended the Federal Government on the ongoing oil exploration, also thanked the National Assembly members and other Nigerians for their renewed interest in hydro-carbon in the Northeast Zone.

According to Yahaya, the governors agreed to establish a technical working committee to implement all the actions they agreed upon.
On the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Yahaya said: “We thanked Mr. President, National Assembly and all
Nigerians for their humanitarian support for the insurgency affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

“We agreed to meet quarterly, with the next meeting scheduled for Borno State in mid-April, so as to cover the lost gaps.

“Our forum is committed to providing all the necessary support to the commission with a view to achieving its objectives.”