ENDSARS:KEbbi Governor Meets Coalition of Northern Group

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A group called Coalition of Northern Group under the leadership of Ibrahim Mohamed led a rally in Birnin Kebbi to appreciate the response of the Federal Government to the protest against alleged wrongful actions by some members of the police force.

The governor was away in Abuja, but was represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

Following his return he requested that the leadership be invited to further discuss how Kebbi state can facilitate a nationwide resolution of the issues.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was emphatic that Nigerians must not be oblivious of the sacrifice of the Armed Forces and the Police in safeguarding the unity and security of the nation.

The governor made it clear that the services of security agencies were highly essential, especially in areas facing the challenges of Boko Haram, kidnapping, robbery, banditry and assassination.

He remarked that peaceful rally was an element of democracy but ongoing protests by youths have deviated from original concept and transmuted into other purposes.

 Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu cited the violent attack on the Governor of Osun State and disruption of social and economic activities in the country by the protesters.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu informed leaders of the Coliation of Northern Groups that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has held meeting to examine the EndSARs protest towards finding effective solution, while President Muhammadu Buhari has consented to the demands of the protesters.

The Governor described youths as beacons of hope, charging youth leaders to orientate them on being useful members of the society devoid of taking the law into their hands.

Consequently, he would want youths to be part of good governance by making necessary input into policy formulation and implementation of developmental programmes.

The Chief of Staff Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Suleiman Muhammad Argungu Jarman Kabi told the governor that, members of the Coliation of Northern Groups, held demonstration last thursday which terminated at the Government House to express support to the formation of the Special Weapons and Tactics, SWAT, police unit by the Inspector-General of Police to replace the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

Suleiman Argungu added that the demonstrators were received by him, the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners and Special Adviser on Security on behalf of the governor, during which they acknowledged the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police for applying decisive action to surmounting the security challenges in the country.

The Kebbi State Coordinator of the Groups, Ibrahim Muhammad said they were at the Government House on the invitation of the Governor to interacting with one another towards finding permanent solution to present situation in the country on youths protests against SARS.

He acknowledged that the security services including police have been paramount in tackling insecurity nationwide which deserved commendation.

Ibrahim Muhammad informed the governor that the groups have endorsed the formation of SWAT but cautioned its operatives to operating in accordance with the law.

The Coordinator spoke with strong voice to the government to evolve effective solution to problems of unemployment, hunger and poverty in the country that have exacerbated agitations by youths.

He said twenty two representatives of various youth groups were at the interactive session with the governor.

Kebbi State Deputy Governor, retired Colonel Isma’ila Yombe Dabai, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and other top government functionaries were also in attendance.