BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has stated that the time for rhetorics, meetings, communiques, promises that are not implemented or produce result is over in Northern Nigeria.
He pointedly said that taking a critical look at the plight of the region, meant that it is time for action and tangible results.
Inuwa Yahaya therefore called on Northern leaders to move beyond rhetoric and adopt coordinated measures to address insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment across the region.
The NSGF Chairman also warned that continued instability poses a grave threat to the unity, prosperity and future of the North.
Governor Yahaya, who stated these on Monday, June 15, 2026, while delivering a speech at the meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Dutse, Jigawa State, noted that the security situation in the North was deeply troubling and unprecedented.
Yahaya particularly noted that banditry, insurgency, farmer-herder clashes and communal conflicts have become the greatest threats to the region’s survival, thereby weakening social cohesion, disrupting economic activities and stalling development.
He said; “Without security, there can be no unity. Without security and unity, there can be no development”.
The NSGF Chairman linked the worsening security crisis to decades of socio-economic neglect, citing widespread poverty, unemployment and poor educational outcomes, stressing that about 86 million people in Northern Nigeria live in multidimensional poverty, while the vast majority of Nigeria’s out-of-school children are concentrated in the region.
Yahaya further said; “Poverty, illiteracy and youth unemployment have created a fertile ground for criminal networks and violent extremist groups to recruit vulnerable young people.
“To reverse the trend, there is the urgent need for comprehensive reforms, including the establishment of state police, greater investment in education and skills development, job creation, agricultural revitalization and stronger support for security agencies,” he stated.
The Gombe Governor warned that Northern leaders can no longer afford silence, hesitation or unimplemented resolutions in the face of escalating insecurity.
He said; “Enough of meetings that do not produce results. Enough of communiqués that are not implemented. Enough of promises that are not followed by action”.
The Governor express condolences to the Government and people of Katsina State over the death of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe in the hands of bandits, and stressed that the unfortunate incident was a stark reminder that insecurity spares no one.
He said; “No one is safe until everyone is safe”.
Governor Yahaya particularly charged traditional rulers to strengthen community vigilance and intelligence gathering, describing them as critical partners in peacebuilding and security management.
Speaking directly to the traditional rulers, Governor Yahaya said; “You are not just ceremonial figures; you are essential partners in security, unity and development”.
Speaking in turn, the host Governor, Malam Umar Namadi noted that numerous challenges are presently confronting Northern Nigeria, including insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, climate pressures, drug abuse, farmer-herder conflicts and declining social values.
Namadi acknowledged ongoing efforts by the President Tinubu-led administration to tackle insecurity through intensified military operations, improved intelligence coordination and stronger collaboration with state governments.
The Governor cited the Northwest Peace and Security Summit that held in Katsina as a positive step towards deeper regional cooperation.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating crime and maintaining public safety.
IGP Disu described the Northern Traditional Rulers Council as a vital institution and stressed that the stability of Northern Nigeria remains critical to national stability.
He said; “We must sustain collaboration to confront emerging security threats on all fronts”.
In his own remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its enduring role in peacebuilding and community mobilization.
Idris said the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to address both the immediate and underlying causes of insecurity through interventions in agriculture, education, economic empowerment and social inclusion, stressing that Northern Nigeria remains central to the country’s growth and prosperity.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, said that leadership is a divine trust, stressing that governors were placed in positions of authority for a purpose.
Sultan Abubakar called on all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria.
He praised the presence of the chairman of the NSGF, saying it demonstrated the seriousness and commitment of Northern Governors to partner in addressing the myriads of challenges confronting the region.
The Sultan urged citizens to continue praying for and supporting their leaders at all levels, stressing the importance of leadership and the responsibility entrusted to those in authority.
