BY SALIU SALIU
GOVERNORS of the 19 Northern States, on Thursday, linked the destructions and killings triggered by the #EndSARS protests across the country to what they described as the antics of the enemies of the country “who are violently pushing for regime change outside the ballot box.”
The Northern Governors, who made their position known after an emergency meeting in Kaduna, also condemned “the diabolical influencers in form of hooliganism, ethno-religious bigots and even political marauders” who they said were bent on pulling the nation down and pushing for regime change.
The Forum, however, called on Nigerians to resist the enemies of the nation and support President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Government and democracy at large.
These positions were contained in a communiqué, read by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong.
The Forum, however, advocated for the constitution of a Judicial Commission of enquiry to investigate all levels of destruction and killings during the #ENDSARS protests.
It also advised the Federal Government to explore possibilities of ending the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities strike, saying the students were idle at home.
The communique said, “The meeting discussed the various dimensions of #EndSARS protest across the country. While appreciating the constitutional rights of all citizens to express concern even by way of protest, it however condemned the incessant destruction of lives and properties that ensued in the process.
“The Forum regrets the diabolical influencers in form of hooliganism, ethno-religious bigots and even political marauders who are bent on pulling the nation down its knees and pushing for regime change.
“The Forum called on all Nigerians to resist these enemies of the nation by supporting Mr. President, the Federal Government and democracy at large.
“Forum notes that all these are antics of the enemies of the country who are violently pushing for regime change outside the ballot box.
“Forum resolved to further intensify strategic engagements among different levels of stakeholders in their respective states.
“The Forum advocates for the Constitution of Judicial Commission of enquiry to investigate all levels of destruction and killings during the #ENDSARS protest.
“Calls for greater synergy between the state and the Federal Government in strengthening the unity, oneness and overall development of the country.
“Federal Government to explore the possibility of ending ASUU strike. Most of the youths are idle staying at home.
“Forum further restates her commitment in exploring area of reviving the ailing economy of the North with reference to those areas of comparative advantage.
“The Forum is in synergy with other Governors in the South-West, South-South and South-East to address these challenges of nationhood headlong. Together we shall keep Nigeria united and indissoluble.”
