Gov Aliyu flays tagging of northerners as parasites

Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum and governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, has condemned some members of the national conference for calling Northern states leeches during the debate on resource control.

The position of the forum’s chairman was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel A. Ebije. The governor was said to have made the condemnation Tuesday night in Minna when he broke fast with members of an inter-religious group led by Barrister Solomon Dalung.

Aliyu said religion is not really the problem of Nigeria, but politically and economically influenced comments, attitudes and actions.

“Only a few days ago, I hosted some members of the national conference and I was saddened to hear that some delegates referred to Northern states as leeches during the debate on resource control. For someone to refer to a section of the country as parasites 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 that some people want to change that law now”, he said.

Aliyu pledged the continuous commitment of the forum to explore solutions for challenges in the region, adding that it is also ready to partner any group with good intentions for the region.

Earlier Barrister Dalung, who is leading the inter-religious group across the country to foster religious tolerance and harmony, said they were in Minna to solicit support for the forum.

“We are not in the wrong place. The chairman of Northern governors will help us to convey our message of peace to his colleagues,” he said.