… warms against nationwide hunger demonstration
By Fatima Saka
The North West Caucus within the House of Representatives has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enacting the North West Development Commission Bill into law.
Expressed during a gratitude press briefing at the National Assembly on Friday, the Caucus highlighted President Tinubu’s exceptional leadership and fulfillment of promises by endorsing the bill.
Additionally, the North West Caucus urged the region’s populace and other Nigerians to abstain from participating in the planned “disruptive national strike,” cautioning that it could disrupt Nigeria’s fragile equilibrium.
Leading the Caucus, Hon. Sada Soli, conveyed the message on behalf of the Caucus, accompanied by the Northern Caucus Leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and the Deputy North West Caucus Leader, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, alongside representatives from various states in the region.
In his address titled ‘President Tinubu Has Justified Our Trust,’ Hon. Sada Soli stated, “We wish to respectfully commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for enacting the North-West Development Commission Bill into law, which has significantly renewed the aspirations of the North West geopolitical zone for a more prosperous Nigeria.
“The enactment of this Bill follows recent policy decisions that underscore President Tinubu’s unwavering patriotism and commitment to fostering growth and development across all regions of the nation. Notably, the recent Supreme Court ruling supporting local government autonomy has been praised by the Northern Governors Forum for its potential to invigorate grassroots development.
“As the House of Representatives North West Caucus, we are particularly pleased with the enactment of the North-West Development Commission Bill, originally sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau. This initiative aims to stimulate economic and social progress in the region and restore equity to a populace that has long endured the ravages of banditry and other forms of violence.”
The Caucus expressed hope that the Commission would facilitate the reconstruction of dilapidated infrastructure, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, residences, places of worship, commercial establishments, and other essential amenities in the region.
“Moreover, this Commission brings renewed optimism to a geopolitical zone that has been deeply scarred by senseless violence, resulting in severe social and psychological trauma.
“The sporadic attacks have escalated into a multifaceted crisis, impeding agricultural activities and commerce, transforming once-thriving communities in the North West zone into desolate ghost towns as residents flee their homes, becoming internal refugees.
“This has notably impacted the flourishing cross-border trade and agricultural sector between the North West zone and neighboring countries.
“Many border communities, historically vibrant commercial hubs with large-scale farmers exporting produce to various African regions, including Niger Republic, Mali, and Benin Republic, have been deserted due to this relentless violence. Consequently, the Internal Generated Revenues in these states have suffered adverse effects.”
“The Northwest region overwhelmingly supported President Tinubu in 2023, hoping that the esteemed Asiwaju, known for his patriotism and commitment to fairness and equity, would implement policies that foster development in their states, shielding them from the scourge of banditry and transnational terrorism.
“Therefore, this Commission serves as a significant boost to the diligent efforts of the North West governors and further validates our confidence in President Tinubu’s dedication to revitalizing this geopolitical zone and placing it on a solid foundation.”
The North West lawmakers implored the President to intensify efforts in addressing the prevailing security challenges in the geopolitical zone and other parts of the country.
“A comprehensive security sector reform would enable our citizens to resume their normal lives, leading to positive transformations in economic development and societal order.
“On behalf of the entire North West Caucus members in the House of Representatives and the millions they represent, we extend our gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering leadership during challenging times, urging Nigerians to continue offering unreserved support to the government.
“Aligned with their endorsement of the Tinubu-led administration, the Caucus, alongside other political, traditional, and religious leaders in the North West geopolitical zone, does not endorse the scheduled nationwide protest aimed at further destabilizing the country’s fragile balance.
“We appeal to the peace-loving and law-abiding populace of the North West geopolitical zone, who have endured significant disruptions to their peace, to refrain from participating in this potentially destructive action, and instead, afford the Federal and State governments more opportunities to address the pertinent issues.”
They acknowledged the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, for sponsoring the Bill, while also recognizing the effective leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D.
In unison with numerous others, they called for a similar commitment from those tasked with managing the Commission to diligently pursue the objectives of the bill and the developmental promise it holds for the North West geopolitical zone.
