North is ready for National Conference, says Aliyu

The Governor of Niger, Alhaji  Babangida Aliyu, on Saturday said the North is ready for the proposed National Conference.

Aliyu made the declaration in Yola during the conferment of the traditional title of Talban Adamawa to Mr Daniel Mustapha, held at the palace of the Lamido Adamawa, Dr Barkindo Mustapha.

The governor, who is also the Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, said the region was prepared to participate in the conference without any fear.

“The North is ready for the conference, no matter what happen, we will come up better, more developed and indeed more united.

“And I believe what will come out from the conference is for the advantage of Nigeria and its unity.

“There is no doubting the fact that all parts of Nigeria need unity,” he said.

Aliyu also defended the decision of the seven PDP governors to challenge the national leadership of the party, saying it was in Nigeria's best interest.

“Many people in the country did not understand why we came out to challenge the leadership style of the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee.

“All we are saying is that we wanted democracy, because whatever happens in PDP affect Nigeria and Nigerians.

“The reason for our action was that we were looking for true democracy, justice, equity and fairness in our great party, the PDP.”

Earlier, the Lamido, had while conferring the title on Mustapha, appealed to Nigerian leaders to be more committed to the unity and development of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the dignitaries at the ceremony were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, legislators, Emirs and Chiefs as well as top government officials. (NAN)