Why Northern Governors attended US symposium on peace – Radda

Katsina State Governor and Chairman North West Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has addressed concerns regarding Nigerian Governors’ decision to participate in a two-day symposium organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).

In the symposium on Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria held between April 23 – April 25, 2024 in United States, USIP had invited 10 governors from Northwest and Northcentral Nigeria regions.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, indicated that Governor Radda said ,”There are so many questions and comments on our being here, some people are thinking that we should be in Nigeria and discuss security issues within the country where the issues are affecting the people.”

The statement added that the governor explained that sharing experiences and ideas on a global scale was crucial in today’s interconnected world.

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According to him, “The exchange of ideas is very important in the global space that we have today, as the world is now a global village.”

Governor Radda in his vote of thanks on behalf of the Governors at the symposium, said the value of open communication and collaboration between US officials and the Nigerian governors cannot be overemphasized.

“We are very glad on the invitation and the engagement. It is also our pleasure to have this kind of engagement on a regular basis. I hope this should not be the last of it but the beginning of our collaboration and partnership,” he said.

Governor Radda further expressed his appreciation for the US recognizing the need to engage with sub-nationals governments in Nigeria, pledging the support of Katsina and other states.

“We are happy and glad that you have recognized the need to engage sub-nationals at the implementation stage of all the policies and programmes of the United States and we are willing to give our support and we are willing to partner with you,” he said.

Following the security dialogue, the northern governors, led by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, paid a courtesy visit to the US State Department, where they met with Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, and Under Secretary of State, Jose W. Fernandez.