The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, strongly criticized individuals opposing the federal government’s choice to transfer certain departments and units of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos.
Shettima asserted that this decision serves the broader interests of the Nigerian populatio
Emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ prioritizes policies and decisions that are not sectional or detrimental to any specific geographical area of the nation, Shettima labeled those against the relocation as mischief makers. He underlined the commitment of the administration to national interests.
Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the 10th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Merit Awards in Maiduguri, Borno state, the Vice President conveyed these sentiments on Saturday, emphasizing the government’s dedication to decisions that benefit the nation as a whole.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed on the theme: “Creating Pathways for Peace: Tackling Banditry and Insurgency through Good Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, Shettima said, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto of blessed memory lived a worthy life of emulation for the betterment of the North and the country as a whole, and commended members of the Foundation for not only choosing Borno as venue for the Lecture, but the theme which is apt and timely, in view of the numerous security challenges affecting the state, the North East sub-region, and the country in general.
He said, “the event in line with President Tinubu’s vision, has brought about many critical stakeholders including traditional rulers to collectively brainstorm and chat a new way forward in bringing lasting solutions to end insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, poverty, corruption and all other social vices in the region and the nation in general.
“Recently, there were those opposing the federal government’s decision over planned relocation of some departments and units of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos, I want to reassure the people of the North that the move is for the interest of the generality of Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ would not make any policy or decision that would be sectional, or at the detriment of some geographical location of the nation, therefore, those opposing the relocation process of some of the departments should desist, or else they are acting as mischief makers.” Shettima stated.
In his speech, the Chairman, Board of Trustee of Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Chief Servant and former governor of Niger state, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu said, the gathering is to commemorate the significant milestone and enduring legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire northerners in their quest for a better Nigeria.
The Guest Speaker, Professor Tijjani Mohammed Banded, whose paper dwelled extensively on tackling Insecurity through good governence suggested that, “for the North to have sustainable development, all hands must be on deck with those in government to rebuild trust and work for peace building, provision of quality education, modernization of Agriculture, building infrastructures, rebuilding civil service and building credible media.”
He therefore appealed to those in higher position of government to shun corruption, and must work together to enhance development, by recognizing the critical roles of traditional rulers in peace building, and also deal with citizenship and ethnic considerations.
The Chairman of the occasion, Gombe state Governor, who is also the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, said, the Foundation since inception, has played a greater role in creating peace, unity and Progress’ amongst Nigerians, which were parts of legacies of late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
He assured that the 19-state governors under his chairmanship would steadfastly support the Foundation’s sustainability.
Chief Hosts Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn-Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, commended the organizers for choosing Borno as the venue. They highlighted the opportunity it provides to address the security and poverty challenges affecting the state and the broader Northern region.
Senate President Senator Godswill Okpabio, represented by Senator (Borno Central) Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, pledged the national assembly’s commitment to collaborate with the Sardauna’s Foundation for peace, unity, and regional development.
The event saw the presence of Governors from Niger, Gombe, and the host, Borno. Deputies from Bauchi and Kaduna, along with the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, represented the latter two states.
