The Convener of Arewa Think Tank (ATT), Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, has commended the 19 Northern State Governors for demonstrating uncommon courage, visionary leadership and collective responsibility through the inauguration of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, describing the initiative as a bold and timely response to the worsening security challenges confronting the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Yakubu said the establishment of the Security Trust Fund represents one of the most strategic and practical decisions taken by the Northern States Governors’ Forum in recent years, stressing that the move has rekindled hope among millions of Northern Nigerians who have continued to suffer the devastating effects of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of violent crimes.
According to him, the security situation in Northern Nigeria has reached a critical stage that demands unity of purpose, strategic coordination and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
He added that the governors have demonstrated that they are prepared to move beyond rhetoric by putting in place an institutional framework capable of complementing the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.
“The Arewa Think Tank wholeheartedly congratulates the nineteen Northern Governors under the leadership of the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for taking this historic decision.
“The establishment of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund is not only timely but also reflects genuine commitment towards restoring peace, stability and economic prosperity across the region.
“For too long, our people have lived under fear occasioned by incessant attacks on communities, displacement of innocent citizens, destruction of livelihoods and disruption of economic activities. This initiative offers renewed confidence that the region is prepared to confront these challenges through a coordinated and sustainable approach,” he said.
Yakubu further applauded the appointment of the distinguished Board of Trustees, co-chaired by former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, and former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), noting that the calibre of individuals selected reflects the seriousness attached to the implementation of the initiative.
He observed that the inclusion of respected retired military officers, former Inspector General of Police, retired senior police officers, seasoned public administrators, security experts and other accomplished professionals from across the nineteen Northern states provides the Trust Fund with the credibility, experience and strategic capacity required to deliver tangible results.
According to the ATT Convener, the Board possesses decades of practical experience in military operations, intelligence gathering, national security management, public administration and policy implementation, making it well-positioned to provide strategic guidance in addressing the region’s security concerns.
Yakubu also commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for making it clear that the Trust Fund would not become another bureaucratic institution but rather a practical platform dedicated to mobilising resources, enhancing intelligence sharing, improving security coordination and supporting existing security operations across Northern Nigeria.
He noted that the assurance by the Chairman of the Forum that transparency, accountability and measurable results would guide the operations of the Fund has further strengthened public confidence in the initiative.
The Arewa Think Tank equally applauded Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his unwavering advocacy for the establishment of State Police, describing the proposal as one of the most realistic and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Yakubu said the support being demonstrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Northern Governors towards the creation of State Police deserves commendation, stressing that Nigeria’s present security realities require a decentralised policing structure capable of responding swiftly to local threats.
“The security challenges confronting our nation have become increasingly sophisticated. Therefore, empowering states with constitutionally backed policing structures will significantly improve intelligence gathering, rapid response, community policing and effective protection of lives and property.”
He also acknowledged the various interventions of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the areas of transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy and national security, noting that stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments remains essential to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
Yakubu called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community-based organisations, the organised private sector, development partners and patriotic Northern Nigerians to support the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund through collaboration, intelligence sharing and resource mobilisation.
He stressed that security should never be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of government alone, but as a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of every citizen.
“The success of this noble initiative will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders. We must rise above political, ethnic and religious differences and unite behind this vision of securing Northern Nigeria. Peace and security remain the foundation upon which economic development, investment, education, agriculture and social progress can flourish,” he said.
The ATT Convener expressed optimism that the inauguration of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s efforts to defeat criminality, restore confidence among citizens and create an enabling environment for growth and prosperity.
He reaffirmed the readiness of Arewa Think Tank to continue supporting policies, programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity, security, good governance and sustainable development across Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
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