[size=15pt]Northern leaders at Kaduna confab lament ‘decline of Arewa’[/size]

On December 6, 2011 · In News

By Luka Binniyat




KADUNA—NORTHERN leaders, yesterday, met in Kaduna to seek solution to the crises of confidence among the various tribes in the zone, even as some notable traditional rulers in the North Central area and Middle Belt were conspicuously absent.

Apart from fromer Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who is from Plateau State and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III who attended the peace conference, their contemporaries like General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, and His Highness, Asaph Zadok, Hama Bachama were absent.

Others who did not attend the well publicised event include, the Attah of Igala, Dr Aliyu Obaje; the Tor Tiv, Dr. Alfred Tokula; the Ochi of Idoma land, Chief Ageba Idu Elias, the Ponzi Tarok of Lantang Gen. Domkat Bali (rtd), and the Gwatyap of Kataf land, Engr. Harrison Bungwon

Other absentees were, Gbom Gwon Jos, Gyang Buba.

From left: Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Gusau, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa at the Arewa conference on peace in Kaduna yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

However, their colleagues from the far North (Hausa- Fulani) including politicians, traditional and religious leaders attended.

All the speakers at the opening ceremony recalled what they said was the fallen glory of Arewa since the demise of the late Premier of the North, Sir Ahmadu Bello and how to improve on the socio-economic and security problems that have engulfed the north.

Gowon, clad in cream coloured agbada and Hausa hand-sewn cap to match, enumerated “the problems the way” he saw them.

Said Gowon: “This conference is concerned about the challenges and the need to salvage the legacies of our founding fathers which are showing signs of imminent collapse. What is happening today is not the Nigeria and the North we inherited and for us, it cannot be the north we desire to bequeath to our children.

Gradual descent

“The present north was not bequeathed to us neither are our children responsible for it. We have, over the years through our action or inaction, directly or indirectly allowed the gradual descent to present disagreeable and unacceptable behaviour in our communities and the entire north. We now must show seriousness, courage and responsibility in addressing these challenges squarely without fear, favour or mudslinging.”

Gowon insisted that injustices, such as the banning of the teachings of Christian religious studies in public schools in some Northern states, and the refusal of granting of permits and land to build churches, lack of equal opportunities for minorities in these states have not helped in uniting the North.

He said: “We must take our children off the streets to the classrooms. Our leaders, especially the political leaders, must lead with justice, fairness and transparency while dealing with the masses. Then, and only then will peace and stability be restored not only in the north but in the entire country. We know there are problems, let’s not deceive ourselves. How did we get into these problems? What really happened? Were we lagging some 15, 20 years back? Why do we have crisis everywhere? Muslims killing Muslims, Muslims killing Christians, Christians killing Christians etc?

“Our founding fathers did not do that, so where have we derailed? We must come back to the path of our founding fathers if we want to make any progress. We must bring education to the front burner. The state governors must set up education trust funds that will make children go to school at no cost. I believe they have the where withal to do that. Many people are tired of what is happening and want to see peace reign in Nigeria”. The Governor of Niger State and Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum, said: “Perhaps, it is time those of us in leadership position in governments (at all levels) and indeed in the private sector live by example, to earn the respect and trust of the less privileged amongst us, especially the younger generations. At the basic level, if we pronounce a policy for improving education or health sectors, for instance, we should be seen to be using our public schools and health facilities for the educational and health needs of our families, so that we can feel where the shoe pinches and take informed decisions in addressing the challenges. I must say that we need to be courageous in changing our social values and belief systems to reflect humility, transparency and accountability to achieve greater levels of service delivery in this country.

Ethnic and religious conflicts

“Similarly, in addressing what may be masquerading as ethnic and religious conflicts and security threats in some parts of the Northern States, we must first tackle the economic problems and social inequities in our society.”

The Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo on his part, said that the Federal Government was building boarding primary schools for the 9.5 million almajiri of the North, adding that the government has earmarked N4.9 billion for the project in the 2012 budget.

Among those at the meeting include: the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, all the 19 Northern Governors and members of the National Assembly the North

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/northern-leaders-at-kaduna-confab-lament-%E2%80%98decline-of-arewa/

The Middle Belt wants nothing to do with the hausa-fulani.

heh.

Chyz*:

The Middle Belt wants nothing to do with the hausa-fulani.

I know it is what people like you want the enemity to linger as long as it will serve you.Cause rancour and provide bullets for continous violence.Have you gone through the list to say all the traditional rulers of all 19 northern states being there.Also did you notice that the delegation from Benue was significant (Governor and senate president) and for your information if you talk langtang is it that by your standard J T huseni (sarduanan langtang) is non entity?What of the absence of some key northern political figures eg IBB,Buhari,Shagari even where Gowon attended.Some traditional rulers mentioned by you will only attend if the chair of the state is absent eg Haman Bachama,kataf chief etc Keep hoping and instigating.Peace will come and no condition is permanent.We shall over some o you evil men.
You are the silly kind that want us to continue fighting and remain divided to suit you initial dementia for progress at the expense of crisis.Mind your own business.Just 4uk-off and pay more attention to Ikembas funeral or memorials!!!!


IBB, Abdulsalam, Buhari, Shagari absent from Arewa peace conference



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Written by Muhammad Sabiu, Kaduna Tuesday, 06 December 2011
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AS the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) opened a two-day conference on peace and unity for the development in northern Nigeria on Monday, past rulers of the country of northern extraction, General Ibrahim Babangida; Major-General Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Shehu Shagari were absent from the event.

The conference, which was held at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Conference Hall at Murtala Square, Kaduna, however, witnessed the attendance of notable northerners like former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, who was the chairman on the occasion.

Other distinguished personalities present included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad; the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar and the Shehu of Borno.

Also in attendance were former military governors and administrators, like Colonel Habibu Shuaibu (retd); Colonel Farouk Ahmed (retd) and Brigadier Abba Kyari (retd).

Top politicians like Umaru Shinkafi; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as well as elder statesmen Tanko Yakasai; Bamanga Tukur; Magaji Danbatta and the Wakilin Adamawa, Hassan Adamu, graced the occasion.

Declaring the conference open, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, commended the ACF for making tremendous effort at bringing peace and harmony among the diverse peoples of the North.

According to President Jonathan, the conference was crucial and important, considering the challenges confronting the region.

He said the present administration had evolved policies with a view to transforming the northern economy rapidly, pointing out that the Federal Government was committed to addressing the problems of power supply, rail transportation, education, as well as agriculture.

According to him, the Federal Government had awarded a contract for the construction of a 250-megawatt power generating plant at Kudenden, in Kaduna State, and another 700-megawatt power plant at Zungeru, Niger State.

In his opening remark, the chairman of the conference, General Gowon, lamented the insecurity, interstate conflicts and social unrest bedevilling the northern region.

General Gowon said that the challenges before the conference were enormous, saying, “we must be ready to talk and tell ourselves the bitter truth.”

He charged the conference to address some of the problems hampering the development of the region like poverty, unemployment, ethno-religious crises, murder and bomb blasts.

Earlier, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ACF, Lieutenant-General J.T. Useni, in his welcome address, said the conference was summoned because the north was lagging behind and confronted with multifarious problems which must be tackled if the north should move forward.

All governors from the north were in attendance, except the Plateau State governor, Mr Jonah Jang; the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and the Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.

My article has nothing to do with the one you posted. The fact is what is stated in my article. The MIDDLE BELT does not want to be associated with the Hausa or Fulani. They have made this clear repeatedly. The article is proof. I don't know if you realize but the traditional rulers are who speak for the people not "political figures". There is no coincidence in why the groups in the middle belt didnt attend. Also, lets not mention Gowon, he hasnt even condemned the killings of his people by the hausa and fulani settlers and army men. You muslim northerners have no control over the middle belters as you may want. Get ready for more up-roar when state creation comes. You northerners will know that the middlebelt has a mind of its own.

Chyz*:

My article has nothing to do with the one you posted. The fact is what is stated in my article. The MIDDLE BELT does not want to be associated with the Hausa or Fulani. They have made this clear repeatedly. The article is proof. I don't know if you realize but the traditional rulers are who speak for the people not "political figures". There is no coincidence in why the groups in the middle belt didnt attend. Also, lets not mention Gowon, he hasnt even condemned the killings of his people by the hausa and fulani settlers and army men. You muslim northerners have no control over the middle belters as you may want. Get ready for more up-roar when state creation comes. You northerners will know that the middlebelt has a mind of its own.

dude, not one is controling middle belt, they have freedom to do what ever they want just like any other group. and they chose to be arewa,

Not attending a meeting does not mean they are out of arewa, I don't know where you are getting these things from

alj_harem:


dude, not one is controling middle belt, they have freedom to do what ever they want just like any other group. and they chose to be arewa,

Not attending a meeting does not mean they are out of arewa, I don't know where you are getting these things from

They never chose to be Arewa, they were made. You and I both know that.