Kaduna (WorldStage Newsonline)-- Governors of the 19 Northern States in Kaduna on Thursday absorbed former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change(CPC) of any wrong doing over his statement that there would be bloodshed if there is no transparency in the 2015 general elections in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, while fielding questions from newsmen after reading the communiqué of the meeting noted that General Buhari statement was subject to interpretations.
He however noted that it was the opinion of his colleagues that eminent Nigerians be cautioned against further inflammatory statement that could heat up the polity.
He argued that Buhari statement was meant to keep the Federal Government on its toes in order to conduct a free, fair and credible elections in 2015.
Babangida , who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said, “In a democratic system, every individual has his ways and there are many of us whose ways of communication is quite different from others. Given the same statement to somebody, he may have used different vocabulary.
“Again, certain facts are understood, that if this happens, that would happen. I think it is natural thing to do. May be, those who may be too concerned have not looked at what other eminent Nigerians have been talking about.
“I saw one that said Nigeria is going to be Somalianized, I saw another one who has been talking like there would be war tomorrow. So, for me, that statement should be taken on its own value. Do not go and do bad election, I think that is the whole thing I will take there.
“All of us who are involved in elections, political parties, contestants and voters themselves, we must all be careful so that whatever we do the semblance of good is there. But, again, like I said certain people are so much in that position, certain vocabularies they use they should be careful. So, both ways let’s take it on our own stride and ensure that future elections are seemed to be transparent and are seemed to be good.”
While reading the communiqués, Aliyu said the governors had resolved to intensify efforts in finding a lasting solution to the insecurity in the region.
He also added that all Nigerians must be concerned by the unity and development of the country in all ramifications.
The communiqué read in part, “the meeting of the Northern Governors Forum held on 17th May 2012 under the Chairmanship of Chief Servant of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu to deliberate on salient issues capable precipitating rapid socio-economic development not only for Northern states but the nation in general.
“The alarming state of insecurity in the Northern States was discussed, thereafter, the Forum resolved as follows,
“We shall intensify efforts to find a lasting solution to the problem by reaching out to all stakeholders.
“The Forum cautioned eminent Nigerians against making inflammatory statement capable of affecting our fragile unity and security. We must be concerned with unity and development of the country in all ramifications.
“In order to make the Forum more effective by providing a platform for good governance, better understanding and cooperation among members, the Forum has approved a new structure for the Forum with effect from May 2013. There shall be a Chairman and Vice Chairman (1 & 2) both shall hold office for two years upon elections by members only.”
Earlier at the opening of the meeting held at the Late General Hassan Katsina House, Kaduna, the Chairman of the Forum stressed the need for the unity of the region towards the 2015 general elections.
He, however, noted that 2015 is still too far to become the main topic of discussion among serious elected leaders just as he tasked his fellow governors from the region to make the delivery of good governance their focus and eschew any thought of 2015 from their mind for now in order not to allow themselves be distracted from their duty.
He urged his colleagues to tackle the issue of insecurity and development of the region squarely while adding that 2015 belong to God whose will shall always prevail.
He said, “My fellow colleagues, it is very disturbing to note the emerging political activities in the nation. I believe, we should not allow what will happen in 2015 to distract us. Instead of talking about development and security issues, we have been discussing more of 2015. 2015 belongs to God, and what God has already arranged will come to pass.
“We must also know that by 2015, we are going as united constituent group. There were times when we went as constitutionalist and federalist, and some as regionalists, but this time around, we must do everything possible within the time period to unite ourselves and to go that time as a united group.
“The interest of the people is paramount, we must understand that, and we must also understand that political parties are platforms and it is the interest of our own people that should guide our actions, our interests and our activities. Therefore, as Governors, we must allow those who want to make noise about 2015 to continue to do so, but we must not allow ourselves to be dragged into the issue.”
