From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
The Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum and governor of Niger state, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has condemned some members of the National Conference for calling the northern states of Nigeria leeches, as the debate of resource control heated up.
Governor Aliyu stated this yesterday in Minna, when he broke fast with a group advocating for religious harmony in the country.
A press statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel A. Ebije said the governor while addressing members of inter-religious group led by Bar. Solomon Dalung on security situation in the country noted that religion was not the problem of Nigeria, but politically and economically influenced negative comments, attitude and actions.
“Only a few days ago, I hosted some members of the National Conference and I was saddened to hear that some members of the conference are calling the northern states leeches, on account of the on-going debate on resource control”.
“For someone to call a section of the country leech is a matter that can cause trouble and that does not need religion or level of education to make it go out of control. Oil is not something that anyone owns and it is sad if some people want to change that law now.”
Aliyu, therefore, pledged the continuous commitment of the forum to explore solution for the challenges in the region, adding that any well-meaning group with good intention for the region and the country will be partnered.
Earlier, Barrister Dalung, who led the inter-religious group across the country to foster religious tolerance and harmony, stated that they were in Minna to solicit the support of the NSGF through the forum chairman to key into their vision for peaceful northern states.
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