Power Shift: North-West Leaders Storm Abuja With Demands For State Police, Revenue Justice

The North-West Governors’ Forum has strongly advocated for a more equitable revenue-sharing formula and the establishment of state police as urgent solutions to the escalating insecurity and economic hardship plaguing the region, according to IReporter Online.

During a constitutional review session held in Abuja on Monday, Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe—speaking on behalf of Katsina State Governor and Forum Chairman, Dikko Radda—stressed that the current revenue distribution system fails to reflect the pressing needs of the North-West.

According to IReporter Online, she pointed out that the region is overwhelmed by the burden of hosting millions of internally displaced persons as a result of ongoing banditry and conflict.

“Our challenges are unique and substantial. We demand a revenue formula that truly reflects our population and security realities,” she said.

She further called for increased autonomy over local resources and a decentralized security system that includes the creation of state police to better tackle local threats. “This is our opportunity to reform a system that no longer serves us,” Balarabe added.

The meeting, as reported by IReporter Online, convened key stakeholders including regional officials, constitutional experts, and civil society groups to forge a unified document titled The North-West Common Position on Constitutional Reform.

Maryam Musa, Director-General of the Forum, noted that the position was the result of extensive consultations across all seven North-Western states, aimed at speaking with one voice for lasting structural change.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”