The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) says it is disturbed by the cold war between renowned businessmen of Northern extraction, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Rabiu of BUA Company.
NEF also expressed worries over the rift between the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle and his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, and called on the politicians to embrace peace.
NEF in a statement by its Convener, Professor AngoAbdullahi said that the development was affecting the region’s economic and political stability.
According to NEF, Dangote and Abdussamad are both eminent business leaders and respected elders of the North should be in the forefront of setting exemplary conducts for the benefit of the entire region.
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“The current conflicts between Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Isiyaku Rabiu over cement prices, as well as the conflict of interest between Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Defense Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle, are exacerbating the challenges faced by the Northern region in terms of security and the economy.”
“In light of this, NEF calls on the leaders involved in the conflicts to exercise restraint in the interest of the region. We also call on all leaders and stakeholders in the North to intervene by facilitating a reconciliation meeting among all the parties. It is essential specifically, for the two leaders of Zamfara, Lawal and Matawalle to exercise restraint and maturity, and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration against the daunting insecurity in the state.
“The challenges faced by Zamfara require a collective effort, and it is only through working together that we can overcome them. Engaging in unnecessary conflicts and grandstanding only diverts attention from the real issues at hand and hinders progress in the search for collective and coordinated action.”
