North East Governors Forum wants the Federal Government to increase its investments in the sub-region
By The North East Governors Forum wants the Federal Government to increase its investments in the sub-region ravaged by the insurgency to guarantee peace and economic prosperity.
The North East Governors appealed in a communique issued at the end of their sixth Forum meeting held in Damaturu the Yobe State Capital and signed by the chairman of the forum and Borno state governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
In the Communique read by Gombe State Governor Yahaya Inuwa the Forum says it also deliberated on a presentation by the Minister of Power on planned and on-going Power Projects in the North East which highlighted the challenges of steady power supply to the sub-region and noted with dismay the near one year lack of electricity in Maiduguri and its environs.
The Governors also deliberated on the Mambilla Hydroelectric project and called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to make adequate budgetary provision in the 2022 appropriation bill for the implementation of the project.
The Forum further raised concerns over the non- commissioning of the Dadin Kowa and kashimbila hydro-power plants which is stalling development of the sub-region.
It further noted the significant improvement in the security situation in the sub-region as evidenced by the mass surrender of Boko Haram fighters and commended the Federal Government for its various initiatives towards stabilising the sub region.
However, the Forum urged for the establishment of a sustainable programme for the handling of the repentant terrorists.
Earlier in a welcome address the chief host and the Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni, said the meeting is an opportunity for them to share ideas on laying a solid foundation for a brighter future for their States.
The meeting was attended by the Governors of Borno, Gombe and Yobe, states while the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, and Taraba States were represented by their Deputies.
The forum also resolved to hold its next meeting from 9th to 11th of March next year in Gombe state.
