A delegation of the federal government met behind closed doors with the 19 Northern governors and some traditional rulers in Kaduna on Monday. 

Information minister Lai Mohammed said the meeting which was at the instance of President Muhammadu is billed to engage political leaders, traditional rulers, youths and religious leaders across all geopolitical zones in the country in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protest.

The federal government delegation which was led by the Chief of Staff to the President Ibrahim Gambari had FCT minister Mohammed Bello and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu in attendance.

Also present were Senate President Ahmad Lawan and some National Assembly members from the region.

Speaking on behalf of the federal government delegation, Mr. Mohammed said the engagements are critical to reconciliation and national development.

“This is just the first leg in the series of the engagements as directed by Mr President,” Mr. Mohammed said. “The Chief of Staff will also address governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in other parts of the country.”

On the closed door meeting, the minister said those at the forum had fruitful discussions which comprehensively centred on the recent events in the country in the last two and half weeks.

“We made far reaching decisions and we are happy that the governors and the traditional rulers did very well in ensuring that the youths understood the real issues,” he said. “Because of their influence, there was very minimal destruction.”

The minister added that apart from the resolve to continue to engage the youths, the meeting underscored the role of traditional rulers and the need to engage them continually.

The meeting was hosted by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State. Some of the traditional rulers that also attended the meeting were the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli and his Kano counterpart, Aminu Ado Bayero. 

(NAN)