The North East Development Association (NEDA) has called on stakeholders in the Northeast especially Vice President Kashim Shettima , Governors and legislators to come up with sustainable innovations for the restoration of the region.
The Secretary General of NEDA, Bitako Umar, made the call on behalf of the association during a news conference tagged` `Conference on Politics and Development in the Northeast Sub-region on Tuesday in Abuja.
Umar said that NEDA as an advocacy and socio-cultural group serving as the mouth piece of the sub-region, met and reviewed the political trends and developmental activities in the sub-region.
He said the association therefore, decided to draw the attention of critical stakeholders on issues on ground with the view to strengthen the path towards the recovery of the region from the devastations experienced due to insurgency, conflicts and other related criminal tendencies.
“The Association resolves as follows: That, it is pertinent for critical stakeholders of the sub-region to constantly bear in mind that the region was a big hub for agricultural and business activities.
“This was before the advent of the so-called Boko-Haram, communal and ethical clashes that befell the region.
“Hence, the dare need for collective and supportive collaboration in bringing back the lost glory of the region, bearing in mind the fight towards the restoration of peace and security of all forms in the region.
“To achieve the above, political and traditional leaders most agree to come together, work together and establish the political will, coupled with sincerity of purpose, devoid of political, religious affiliations and ethnic backgrounds.’’
According to Umar, by so doing, institutions, policies and programs of government would be implemented without hitches.
He said the association also resolved that the people and leaders of the region should recognise and fully support the Vice President, Kashim Shettima as the Political leader in the sub-region and in extension Northern Nigeria to succeed.
He said that NEDA is also reminding the good people of the region that North East Development Commission (NEDC) had recently launched massive developmental programs in the six states of the Sub-region.
He listed the activities to include palliative items to capital projects and distributed to all the six state governments ,18 Senatorial Districts, 48 Federal Constituencies as well as the six State Houses of Assembly.
Umar said the Commission was equally constructing the 22.5 Km Jere Bow road networks and other critical roads in Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States respectively.
He said that all these would enhance security and facilitate free movement of goods, services of the people.
“In view of the above, NEDA is appealing to VP Kashim Shettima , the six State Governors of North East Region, Traditional Fathers, Senators and Members ,House of Representatives among others in the region to as a matter of patriotism help and support the Commission.
“This is in implementing its programs devoid of distraction and cheap blackmail.’’
Umar said in the same vein, NEDA is urging the Commission to fully implement their educational endowment program enacted to cater for less privileged students, especially those at IDP Camps.
He said that the NEDA also called on the commission to complete, equip and put into use their Special Mega Science Secondary Schools under construction in all the six states of the region.
He said that NEDA appealed to the North East Governors to be proactive in the discharge of their responsibilities and fulfill their campaign promises.
Umar said that was the only way they would earn the respect and confidence of the electorates.
He said that NEDA also urged the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and other wages because it would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the masses in the Sub-Region.
He said that NEDA called on the Management team of NEDC to always adhere and strictly operate within the acts that established the Commission, while, encouraging them to be proactive in their operations.
(NAN)