From left: Gov Simon Lalung of Plateau State; Gov Kashim Shettima of Borno; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State Bala Bantex; Gov Aminu Masari of Katsina State and Gov Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State during the Northern Governors Forum meeting in Kaduna ...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

WORRIED by the spate of killings and kidnapping in the region, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) rose from a meeting in Kaduna yesterday with a resolve to develop a regional action plan to end the multiple security challenges.

This was as the Forum announced Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, as its new chairman with effect from May 29.

The meeting chaired by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State lamented what it called the deteriorating security challenges in the region.

It set up a committee headed by Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State to develop an acton plan towards addressing the security challenges.

Reading the communique to newsmen after the meeting, Governor Shettima said the forum deliberated extensively on the nature of the insecurity challenges bedeviling the region and the various ways of dealing with it.

The NSGF Chairman said: “The Northern States Governors’ Forum convened a meeting to deliberate on the major issues affecting the northern states and the nation at large, particularly the current challenges of insecurity which seems to be deteriorating, despite concerted efforts by the federal and state governments.

“The Forum deliberated extensively on the nature of insecurity currently bedeviling the region and various ways and means of dealing with the situation.

“In order to tackle the challenges holistically in an all-encompassing manner, the Forum set up a committee under the chairmanship the Governor of Katsina State, Alh. Aminu Bello Masari, to develop inter-alia comprehensive regional plan of action that could bring lasting solutions to the lingering crises.

“The committee, as part of its mandate, would seek audience with Mr. President and make adequate presentation to him on the true nature of the security challenges.

“It would also make suggestion based on thorough and insightful analysis and assessment of the situation on the best possible way the Federal Government can resolve the incessant problems.” On New Nigerian Newspapers (NNN), The Northern Governors directed New Capital Properties to continue with the disposal of NNN properties with a view to settling other outstanding liabilities of the company and transforming it into a new media outfit.

The forum also set up a committee under the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, to come up with a road map on how best to resuscitate and re-invigorate New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC).

Shettima said: “On New Nigeria Development Company Limited (NNDC), the Forum appointed a Committee under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, to meticulously study the current structure as well as mission and vision of the company and come up with a road map on how best to resuscitate and re-invigorate the Company towards the realization of its pre-set goals and objectives.

“Members of the Committee include Niger State Governor, Alh Abubakar Sani Bello, Shamsudeen Usman, Engr. Ibrahim Ali, Bello Maccido, Ambrose Feese, MK. Ahmed and Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule.

“The Forum, after due consideration and wide consultations resolved to appoint Mallam Tanimu Yakubu as the new Chairman of the New Nigeria Development Company in view of his vast knowledge and wealth of experience. “It also resolved that the current management of the Company who have been operating in acting capacity should remain until the appointment of a substantive executive management.

“The Committee on the NNDC as part of its assignment should ensure that the Board of the NNDC follow due process in the appointment of the new Executive Management through advertisement of vacant positions and other extant procedures.

“Similarly, due process to be followed in respect to the new Nigerian Newspapers Company Limited.

“The Forum also directed New Capital Properties a subsidiary under NNDC to continue with the disposal of NNN properties with a view to settling other outstanding liabilities of the Company and transforming it into a new media outfit. “The Forum expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for settling the pension arrears of the company’s pensioners.