The Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) has appealed to the Nigerian Shiites under the umbrella of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) to cooperate with the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State Government to investigate the December 2015 Army/Shiite clash in Zaria.

Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Borno State Kashim Ibrahim made the appeal in his opening remarks at their meeting on Friday in Kaduna.

He said: “While still on the subject of security, I would like to seize this opportunity to make a passionate appeal to members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria to avail themselves at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State Government in order to present their case.

“The Tribunal, as we know, consists of people of unimpeachable integrity and respectable professional standing and it would be grossly improper for them to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Tribunal or the integrity of its proceedings without presenting their case.”

He said Boko Haram insurgency, cattle rustling, the lingering deadly clashes between farmers and cattle rearers, as well as the intermittent incidents of armed banditry and kidnapping, are generally being regarded as part of the major factors responsible for the formidable developmental challenges of the northern region.

Shettima said: “In respect of the insurgency in the North East and as someone from the epicenter of the crisis, I can confidently confirm that the insurgency has been rredeemably halted and the insurgents themselves completely subdued.

“What remains now are few isolated pockets of suicide bombings which the recalcitrant remnants of the insurgents use as a last resort to attract attention and create unnecessary panic among the general population.”

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the full restoration of civil authority in the recaptured areas in order to pave way for the safe return of our IDPs.

According to the NSGF Chairman, “This undoubtedly entails the reconstruction and rehabilitation of public institutions and structures such as local government secretariats, police stations, prisons, hospitals and clinics as well as schools, all of which were either partially or completely destroyed by the insurgents.

“Our profound gratitude obviously goes to Mr President for fulfilling his promise to bring the insurgency to a complete halt.

“We also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our gallant military and other security agencies who, buoyed up by the President’s enthusiastic support and adequate and regular supply of the required Military hardware and welfare incentives, were able to relentlessly pursue the insurgents and destroy their infrastructure, with the consequence that all the areas hitherto under their control or influence have been recaptured.”

Governors of Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna and Adamawa were in attendance at the meeting, while those of Bauchi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Kebbi and Gombe were represented by their deputies.

•Photo shows Governor Shettima.

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