Northern Elders Speak On Dangote-Rabiu, Gov Lawal-Matawalle Rifts

The convener of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Professor Ango Abdullahi, has expressed concerns over the rift among some prominent northern leaders, adding that the rift is causing more harm than good in the north.

Naija News reports that there are conflicts between the chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the chairman of BUA Industries, Abdussamad Isiyaku Rabiu, over cement prices, as well as a rift between Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Defense Minister, Bello Mohammed Matawalle over the latter’s administration as governor between 2019 and 2023.

In a statement titled, “Press statement calling for restraint and understanding among Northern political and business leaders,” on Wednesday, Abdullahi noted that these conflicts were unhealthy for the north.

He added that the region needed collaboration rather than crisis among major players of the region.

The Northern Elders leader urged the conflicting parties to reconsider their ongoing conflicts and refocus on securing and improving the lives of people of the north.

The statement read: “The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, is deeply concerned about the ongoing misunderstanding and widening rift among the eminent political and business leaders of Northern Nigeria, which is reflecting negatively on the region’s economic and political stability.

“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.

“The people of the state are already burdened with numerous challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and a struggling economy.

‘’As leaders, it is our duty to alleviate these burdens and provide a better future for our citizens. However, by engaging in conflicts among ourselves, we are wasting valuable time and resources that could be better utilized in addressing these pressing issues.

“Alhaji Dangote and Abdussamad are both eminent business leaders and respected elders of the North who should be at the forefront of setting exemplary conduct for the benefit of the entire region.

“By fostering greater understanding and avoiding unnecessary conflicts, leaders can create a stable environment conducive to peace-building, progress, and development, which will contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the Northern region.

“As concerned elders of the North, and in recognition of the reality that the misunderstanding by these critical segments of the Northern leadership is undeniably not in the best tradition of the Northern culture and values, the NEF has resolved to engage the parties on all sides individually and collectively for final resolution of the various misunderstandings.

“Meanwhile, we urge the conflicting parties to reconsider their ongoing conflicts and refocus on the common goal of securing and improving the lives of the people of the North by restraining themselves and their proxies or against from going further with the media crossfire.

“NEF deems it imperative for leaders to prioritize unity and collaboration over personal conflicts. The challenges faced by the North require a united front, and it is only through collective action that we can overcome them. Let us set aside our differences and work towards a stable and prosperous future for the people of Zamfara State and the entire Northern region.

“The Northern Elders Forum will continue to monitor the development as it unfolds, hoping that the leaders will reclaim their statesmanship by exercising greater restraint for the interest of the region.”