Northern Democrats Caution Governors Negotiating With Bandits

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has charged northern governors to assume responsibility for securing their states and not be quick to embark on negotiations with known bandits.

The Northern Democrats said dialogue would amount to little if verifiable disarmament and real de-escalation processes aimed at protecting citizens and restoring order are not involved.
The LND, stated this as part of their resolutions after their meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night.

The resolutions were contained in a statement signed by the assistant national publicity secretary of LND, Mohmood Tunde Hassan.

Condemning bandit negotiations, LND said, “While all legitimate measures to end insecurity are welcome, giving criminals a free pass in the name of dialogue is unacceptable and amounts to legitimising terror.
“True peace processes require military-secured areas, enforced ceasefires, neutral weapon-free venues, third-party verification of disarmament, and strict civilian protection. The Katsina episode ignored these fundamentals and undermined both security and accountability.

“Dialogue only has meaning if tied to verifiable disarmament and real de-escalation to protect citizens and restore order.

“Northern Governors must assume responsibility for securing their states. Excuses of structural constraints are hollow—no law prevents them from protecting their people.”
LND called on all stakeholders to rededicate themselves to repositioning the North within the Nigerian mainstream by tackling the existential challenges holding the nation down.

The group also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its transparent handling of the ongoing political party registration process and urged it to sustain the credibility to strengthen public confidence in the electoral system.

He said “LND commends INEC for its transparent handling of the ongoing political party registration process and urges it to sustain this credibility to strengthen public confidence in the electoral system.

“All pre-qualified bodies and stakeholders are called upon to respect the rules of engagement in the overall interest of Nigeria’s democracy.”