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.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda acknowledged the questions and comments surrounding the governors’ attendance at the event. He explained that the meeting was part of efforts to find lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges through international collaboration.
Radda emphasized that the exchange of ideas and experiences on a global scale is crucial in today’s interconnected world. He stated, “Exchange of ideas is very important in the global space that we have today, as the World is now a global village.”
As the Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Radda expressed his appreciation to the US for recognizing the need to engage with sub-national governments in Nigeria. He pledged the support of Katsina and other northern states, saying, “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, where they met with the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, and the Under Secretary of State, Jose W. Fernandez.
