Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda has addressed concerns regarding the participation of some northern governors in the two-day symposium organized by the United States Institute of Peace, USIP, outside Nigeria.
USIP had invited ten governors from Northwest and Northcentral regions to a two-day symposium on Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria, which took place between April 23 – April 25, 2024 in the United nited States.
Radda, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, said, “There are so many questions and comments on our being here, some people are thinking that we should be in Nigeria and discuss security issues within the country where the issues are affecting the people.”
He emphasised that the meeting were part of efforts to find a lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges through international collaborations.
Radda further clarified that sharing experiences and ideas on a global scale is crucial in today’s interconnected world.
He added, “Exchange of ideas is very important in the global space that we have today, as the World is now a global village.”
Radda who doubles as the Chairman, Northwest Governors Forum, expressed his appreciation to the US for recognising the need to engage with sub-national governments in Nigeria.
He pledged the support of Katsina and other northern states.
“We are happy and glad that you recognised the need to engage sub-nationals at the implementation stage of all the policies and programmes of the United States and we are willing to give our support and to partner with you.”
Governor Radda also praised the USIP, highlighting the value of open communication and collaboration between US officials and Nigerian governors.
He stated, “We are very glad on the invitation and the engagement. It is also our pleasure to have this kind of engagement on regular basis. I hope this should not be the last of the engagement and should be the beginning of more collaboration and partnership.”
Following the security dialogue, the northern governors, led by Governor Radda paid a courtesy visit to the US State Department.
There, they met with Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, and Under Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez.