Nigeria Governors Forum Shines as President Visits Benue State
A Rare Display of Unity and Solidarity as President Visits Benue State
By Obinna Ejiofor
The visit of President Tinubu to Benue State on Wednesday June 18, 2025 was a significant event that showcased a rare display of unity and solidarity among the nation’s governors.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), often criticized for its perceived inefficiencies, won the hearts of many by standing in support of their Benue State counterpart. This gesture is a beacon of hope in a time when unity and cooperation are desperately needed to address the country’s myriad security challenges.
The NGF’s show of solidarity with the Governor of Benue State is a welcome development that deserves commendation. In a country where divisions often hinder progress, this display of unity sends a strong message of support and collective responsibility. It demonstrates that despite their differences, the governors can come together to show solidarity and support for one another. This kind of unity is essential in addressing the security concerns that plague our nation, and it’s heartening to see the governors taking a step in the right direction.
However, the visit also highlighted the pressing security concerns that ravage our nation. The killings and violence that have ravaged Benue State and other parts of the country are a stark reminder of the need for collective action. To curb these killings and restore peace to our nation, the governors need to work together to develop effective strategies for addressing security challenges. One key area of focus should be enhanced intelligence sharing, which would enable them to anticipate and respond to security threats more effectively. By establishing a robust intelligence-sharing mechanism, the governors can facilitate the exchange of information on security threats and stay one step ahead of the perpetrators of violence.
Furthermore, the governors should prioritize community engagement to understand the root causes of the violence and develop targeted solutions. This could involve working with traditional leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to promote peace and stability. By engaging with local communities, the governors can identify the underlying factors driving the violence and develop effective strategies to address them. Economic empowerment programs are also crucial in addressing poverty and unemployment, which are often underlying factors in security challenges. By providing opportunities for economic growth and development, the governors can help reduce the appeal of violent extremism and promote a sense of belonging among citizens.
There should be provision of massive infrastructure into the hinterland to reduce the ungoverned spaces where crime and criminality hold sway.
The governors should also work closely with security agencies to develop effective strategies for addressing security challenges. This could involve providing support for security operations, as well as advocating for reforms to improve the effectiveness of security agencies. Additionally, dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms should be prioritized to address disputes and tensions before they escalate into violence. By establishing peace committees or mediation centers, the governors can provide a platform for resolving conflicts peacefully and promoting a culture of peace and tolerance.
Finally, the NGF’s show of solidarity with the Governor of Benue State is a positive development that deserves commendation. As the nation grapples with security challenges, it’s heartening to see the governors coming together to support one another. By building on this momentum and working collectively to address the security challenges, the governors can help restore peace and stability to our nation. We urge them to seize this opportunity and work towards a safer, more prosperous Nigeria for all.
Obinna Ejiofor wrote from Abuja
