The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concern over 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.
In a statement signed by NEF Convener, Pro. Ango Abdullahi and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, indicates that the current conflicts between Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Isiyaku Rabiu over cement prices is not helping the region.
He said both Dangote and Abdussamad are 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.
Prof. Abdullahi also used the statement to express reservation over the conflict of interest between Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Defense Minister Bello Matawalle which is exacerbating the challenges faced by the Northern region in terms of security and the economy.
“NEF calls on the leaders involved in the conflicts to exercise restraint in the interest of the region, adding that all leaders and stakeholders in the North should intervene by facilitating a reconciliation meeting among all the parties.
“It is essential specifically, for the two leaders of Zamfara, Lawal and Matawalle to exercise restraint and maturity, and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration against the daunting insecurity in the state,” he said.
Prof. Abdullahi noted that the challenges faced by Zamfara require a collective effort, and it is only through working together that it can be overcome, adding that 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.
He said 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.
“As concerned elders of the North, and in recognition of the reality that the misunderstanding by these critical segments of the Northern leadership is undeniably not in the best tradition of the Northern culture and values, the NEF has resolved to engage the parties on all sides individually and collectively for final resolution of the various misunderstandings.
“Meanwhile, we urge the conflicting parties to reconsider their ongoing conflicts and refocus on the common goal of securing and improving the lives of the people of the North by restraining themselves and their proxies or against from going further with the media crossfire,” he added.
Meanwhile, NEF says it will 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.
