A two-day summit aimed at addressing security, politics, socio-economic and other national issues, organised by the Northern Elders Forum, opens in Kaduna on Monday.

Chairman, Organizing Committee of the summit and Spokesperson of the Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, at a press briefing on Saturday in Kaduna said the summit shall aim at becoming instrumental in mobilising governments, stakeholders, and indeed sensitising Nigerians on the state of the nation.

According to him, security issues to be discussed at the summit, which holds at Arewa House, Kaduna, include Boko Haram insurgency, militancy in the Niger Delta and South East, banditry as well as robbery and kidnapping.

“The summit shall also discuss socio-economic situation of the region among which are pervasive poverty and economic hardship, economic policies and strategies related to above as well as religious and other forms of inter-communal relations like the herdsman/farmer subject.”

On politics, the chairman said the summit will dwell on the political crisis and instability exhibited in the two major parties and its consequences on good governance; corruption created and promoted by the existing political system, loud voices and calls for re-structuring of the country and in some cases demand for secession of some parts.

He said the summit will as well discuss the unhealthy relationship between the three arms of government and the likely consequences as well as review/amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

He said the summit will come up with alternative solutions on investment to reduce over dependence on government.

He said over 200 submission will be made adding, “blueprint of the region will also be developed to reduce the regions dependence on government.”

Abdullahi said the summit, which is an annual event, “regrettably, did not hold last year due to certain inevitable circumstances.

“Nevertheless, the issues and concerns which would have been the focus of the summit last year are still as relevant today as they were last year.”

He said the multi-dimensional challenges facing the country and indeed Northern Nigeria, “though non-exhaustive, have made this year’s summit even more imperative and compulsive.”

Adamu Fika, Chairman Board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum, is expected to serve as chairman of the summit.

Others are Professor Attahiru Jega, who will serve as Chairman of the “Unity, Faith and Development in Nigeria”.

Paul Tarfa, a retired Major General, is to serve as Chairman of “Restructuring Nigeria: How Should the North Respond” session.

•Photo shows Prof. Ango Abdullahi.

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