The security town hall meeting of North West Governors and traditional rulers with the new security chiefs, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, to address insecurity in the region deadlocked yesterday, as many stakeholders were absent.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Sa’ad, as well as other traditional, religious and opinion leaders were conspicuously absent at the Arewa House, venue of the parley.
But North West states governors went into a closed door meeting with the service chiefs before telling the general gathering that the town hall meeting has been rescheduled.
Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, who addressed the gathering, said the new military leaders were in the state to discuss with North West stakeholders on the need to join hands to end insecurity in the region.
According to him, the military leaders have mapped out a new plan that would end the security challenges, “and we are satisfied with this show of commitment.”
El-Rufai told the security chiefs: “We have confidence in your leadership based on your past record to end the affliction of our families, livelihoods and our nation.”
Lamenting the postponement of the meeting, he said: “This town hall meeting is not possible with the absence of key stakeholders and because of the short notices.
“You can see that it is only the Emir of Zazzau that represents all the Emirs and traditional rulers in the North West states. Each of the traditional and religious leaders in the seven states in the North West are supposed to be here, but they are not. Other stakeholders are not here because they are going round, trying to calm down the very tensed situation we are facing in most parts of North West. This is because of events happening not only in the North, but in other parts of Nigeria.”
Speaking at the occasion, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), explained the prolonged security challenges in the country.
“The nature of the 21st century warfare is complex. That is why we need a multi-faceted approach in dealing with the current security challenges.
“I don’t want to believe some pessimists that we are not trying to end the insecurity. President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to bringing to an end the insecurity in our country and that is what we are doing,” he stated. Among those who were present at the meeting was a prominent Northern cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.
