Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has stated that Boko Haram's influence has diminished over the past six years, but the terrorist group has not been fully vanquished. He made this announcement during the 13th meeting of the Northern States Governors' Forum in Maiduguri on Saturday. The governor highlighted the ongoing insecurity in the region, which has resulted in many citizens being displaced and unable to return home.
Governor Yahaya noted that new challenges have emerged, including banditry and communal clashes. He expressed concern over the lack of progress on key regional infrastructure projects, such as the Mambilla hydropower scheme, railway connections, and broadband expansion. These projects are crucial for the region's development, but their implementation has been slow. The governor's comments reflect the complex security situation in the region.
The North East Governors' Forum was established in March 2020 to address the region's challenges, which surpass the capabilities of any single state. Governor Yahaya emphasised that insecurity, banditry, cross-border crime, poor infrastructure, and humanitarian crises know no boundaries. The forum has provided a platform for governors to discuss regional issues and develop strategies to address them. Its formation was a response to the need for collective action.
Despite the challenges, Governor Yahaya recognised advancements in infrastructure, power generation, economic growth, and security. He pointed to the Kolmani exploration project as a significant opportunity for the region. However, he stressed the need for the project to create actual jobs and revenue for the local population. The governor's comments highlight the importance of ensuring that natural resources are harnessed to benefit the region.
Governor Yahaya also called for the legitimate mining of the region's natural resources to benefit the local population rather than fuel crime. He urged his fellow governors to confront the stark realities facing the region, including high numbers of out-of-school children and poor health indicators. The governor's comments reflect the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the region's challenges.
The meeting held historical significance as it could be the last before the 2027 general elections. Five founding governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe will finish their two-term tenures in the coming months. This gathering was a crucial moment for reflection and leadership transition in the North East Governors' Forum. The forum's future direction will be shaped by the incoming governors.
Health and education remain pressing issues in the region. Governor Yahaya and his fellow governors must work together to address these challenges and develop strategies to promote economic growth and stability. The region's development depends on the effective implementation of regional infrastructure projects and the creation of jobs and revenue for the local population.
Key points
- Boko Haram has been significantly weakened but not fully defeated.
- The region faces new challenges, including banditry and communal clashes.
- The North East Governors' Forum was established to address the region's challenges, which require collective action.
