In response to concerns surrounding the attendance of certain northern governors at a recent symposium organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) outside of Nigeria, Governor Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has provided clarification.
The USIP had extended invitations to ten governors from the Northwest and Northcentral regions to participate in a two-day symposium focused on Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria. The event took place from April 23 to April 25, 2024, in the United States.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda acknowledged the questions and criticisms surrounding their presence at the symposium, stating, “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 emphasized that the meetings were part of a broader initiative to address Nigeria’s security challenges through international cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
Highlighting the importance of global exchange of ideas in today’s interconnected world, Governor Radda added, “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, Governor Radda expressed gratitude to the US for recognizing the significance of engaging with sub-national governments in Nigeria and assured their support and collaboration.
He commended the USIP for fostering open communication and collaboration between US officials and Nigerian governors, stating, “We are very glad on the invitation and the engagement. It is also our pleasure to have this kind of engagement on a 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 symposium, Governor Radda and the northern governors visited the US State Department where they met with Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and Under Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez.