Why North must tackle security, economic challenges –Goje

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The senator representing Gombe Central senatorial district, Danjuma Goje, has said the North would never find its feet unless it tackles the twin evils of the menace of insecurity and economic deterioration in the North.

The former governor of Gombe State stated this during a public presentation of a book, ‘Insecurity and Economy of Northern Nigeria in the 21st century and Beyond: A Festschrift in honour of Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed and edited by Maiyaki Mejida of the Nassarawa State University.

Goje said the menace of insecurity in the form of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism initially started as Boko Haram in the North East, but has expanded to cover not only northern Nigeria, but almost the entire country.

Goje said: “The North will never find its feet without tackling these twin evils. All the cries about democracy and development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of general and widespread insecurity as presently obtained in almost all the nooks and corners of northern Nigeria.”

While explaining the importance of the book, Goje said it will surely and greatly assist in curbing the prevailing general insecurity and economic decline in northern Nigeria.

“I believe governments, at all levels, as well as the Nigerian society in general; will find this book very handy. Therefore, I wish to particularly thank the authors for a job well done.”

Also speaking, senator representing Benue North East senatorial district, Gabriel Suswam, said the issues of security have become the concerns of all Nigerians.

“It is not limited to any particular region, it is not limited to any particular state and so, we are all concerned about it,” Suswam said.

The immediate past governor of Benue State also said for any person to have thought it wise to look at the insecurity bedevilling the country, it was worth the efforts.

Earlier, a former secretary to the government of the federation, Yayale Ahmed, said the title of the book could not have come at a better time.

Yayale, a former head of the civil service of the federation and minister of defence respectively, also said: “If we are serious, if we believe in one another to do the right thing, the correct thing at the correct time, northern Nigeria will be more than transformed to redeem its image of being the most accommodating region in the world.”

He challenged those present on the occasion to see the opportunity to make sure they rediscover themselves and become honest and support the nation’s politicians, guide them and make sure the country does not go haywire in their hands.