By Ogalla Daniel
Speakers of the North Central States; Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, Niger, and Plateau, have called on the Federal Government to give urgent attention to the security and infrastructure challenges faced by states in the geopolitical zone.
According to a Press Statement signed and made available to the media by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Yabagi Mohammed, the group made the call at the end of their conference held in Lokoja the state capital.
The statement said the resolutions of the heads of State Legislatures of the region was contained in a communique issued at the end of the conference.
The communique which was signed by Speakers of Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, Niger and Plateau States Houses of Assembly, touched on various issues, including security, politics and infrastructure, among others.
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The Assembly Speakers condemned the current insecurity being suffered in the geopolitical zone, noting that it has affected food security as evidenced in the food crisis and growing poverty being faced across the country.
“Aware that there cannot be genuine development where there is no peace, we condemn the present state of insecurity in the North Central zone of the country. This is because the situation has retarded development in different spheres of endeavour,” the communique stressed.
It added that the zone is the food basket of the country and that farmers have not been able to cultivate the land and provide food for the citizens despite the worsening food crisis in the country, adding, “Farmers/herders clashes have continued unabated, yet, kidnapping has added a more dangerous dimension to the sad situation.”
The Speakers therefore urged the Federal Government to implement effective measures to address the lingering insecurity and crises that have bedeviled the region and steam the tide of the problem crippling the zone and exacerbating the poverty situation of their people.
While commending the federal government of Nigeria for the sustained dualisation of the Keffi-Makurdi and Makurdi to the Eastern Nigeria projects, the speakers called for increased investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, and education to enhance economic development and improve the living standards of citizens.
“We ask that the current federal government expedite action on the need to complete the protracted project of the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road, the Abuja-Suleija-Minna, the Abuja-Akwanga-Jos Road Projects and other projects linking the North and the south through the North Central Geopolitical Region of the country.”
The Speakers expressed appreciation to their Governors, past and present, and the people of the zone in the enthronement of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – led government, acknowledging that the North Central region remains the melting point of Nigerian politics.
They therefore emphasized the need for political tolerance which creates a healthy political atmosphere, inclusivity which reduces political tension and cooperation among stakeholders, while also fostering peaceful coexistence and good governance.
“We are however miffed by the aftermath of the election, vis-a-vis what has become of some of our political leaders, despite their sterling roles in ensuring the victory of the APC – led government. We will continue to further our interactions and discussions with other critical stakeholders on this to determine the next cause of action in subsequent political decisions in the interest of our region.
“We have also resolved to continually engage relevant and critical stakeholders while working together to address other challenges facing the region, including economic empowerment, environmental degradation, and social justice.
The North Central States Assembly Speakers Conference is under the chairmanship of Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh (Atonko u Mbatiav),the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly.
Also present at the meeting was Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf (Badakoshi of Lokoja), the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly; and Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewar Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly.
