The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), yesterday, urged Zamfara State Governor, Lawal Dauda and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, to resolve their feud in the interest of the region.

It also said that the current conflict between Aliko Dangote and Abdul-Samad Rabiu over cement prices, as well as the conflict of interest between Lawal and Matawalle, are exacerbating the challenges faced by the northern region in terms of security and the economy.

The NEF Convener, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, in a statement, called on leaders and stakeholders in the North to intervene by facilitating a reconciliation meeting among all the parties.

He said: “NEF is deeply concerned about the ongoing misunderstanding and widening rift between the eminent political and business leaders of northern Nigeria, which is reflecting negatively on the region’s economic and political stability.

“It is necessary for Lawal and Matawalle to exercise restraint and maturity, and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration against the daunting insecurity in the state.

“The challenges faced by Zamfara State require a collective effort, and it is only through working together that we can overcome them. Engaging in unnecessary conflicts and grandstanding only diverts attention from the real issues at hand and hinders progress in the search for collective and coordinated action.

“The people of the state are already burdened with numerous challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and a struggling economy. As leaders, it is our duty to alleviate these burdens and provide a better future for our citizens. However, by engaging in conflicts among ourselves, we are wasting valuable time and resources that could be better utilised in addressing pressing issues.

“Dangote and Abdussamad are both eminent business leaders and respected elders of the North who should be in the forefront of setting exemplary conducts for the benefit of the entire region.

“By fostering greater understanding and avoiding unnecessary conflicts, leaders can create a stable environment conducive to peace-building, progress, and development, which will contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the northern region.”

He further said that the Forum would continue to monitor the development as it unfolds, hoping that the leaders will reclaim their statesmanship by exercising greater restraint for the interest of the region.