By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
SPEAKERS of Houses of Assembly from the North-Central Geo-political zone have called on the Federal Government to be decisive in tackling the spate of insecurity in the zone to avoid food food crisis, underdevelopment.
The Speakers from Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, Niger and Plateau states made the call in a communique arising from resolutions reached at the end of their conference in Lokoja.
The Speakers held that the menacing insecurity threatening existence of the zone had continuously negated development efforts in the North-Central states with negative effects on food security and general development.
“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,” they said.
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,
“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 stem the tide of the problem crippling the zone and exacerbating the poverty situation of their people.
The Speakers commended the Federal Government for the sustained dualisation of the Keffi-Makurdi and Makurdi to the Eastern Nigeria road projects.
They however, 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 for creation of a healthy political atmosphere, inclusivity to reduce 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 being chaired by Rt Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh (Atonko u Mbatiav), Speaker of Benue Assembly.
Present at the meeting were Rt Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker, Niger State; Rt Hon. Danladi Jatau, Nasarawa; Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf (Badakoshi of Lokoja), Kogi and Rt Hon. Gabriel Dewar, Plateau State. (Ends)