Concerns mount as Northern elders witness Dangote-Rabiu business strife

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced apprehension regarding the ongoing dispute between prominent Northern businessmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Rabiu of BUA Company. Additionally, the NEF expressed distress over the discord between the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, and his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal.

Prof. Ango Abdullahi, the Convener of NEF, conveyed the forum’s unease, emphasizing that these conflicts are impacting the economic and political stability of the region.

“The current conflicts between Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Isiyaku Rabiu over cement prices, as well as the conflict of interest between Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Defense Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle, are exacerbating the challenges faced by the Northern region in terms of security and the economy,” stated the NEF’s statement.

In response to these concerns, NEF called upon the involved leaders to exercise restraint for the greater good of the region. The forum urged leaders and stakeholders in the North to facilitate a reconciliation meeting among all parties involved. Specifically addressing the leaders of Zamfara, Lawal, and Matawalle, NEF emphasized the need for restraint, maturity, and the promotion of unity to tackle the pressing issue of insecurity in the state.