Northern elders worry over Dangote, Rabiu fight

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is concerned about the split that has developed between two prominent Northern businessmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Rabiu of BUA Company.

Additionally, the NEF expressed its concern regarding the divide that has developed between the previous governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, and the current governor, Dauda Lawal.

The Convener of the NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, issued a statement on the organization’s behalf stating that the development was having an effect on the region’s economic and political stability.

A portion of the statement read as follows: “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 both economic and security concerns,” the statement continued.

“In light of this, the NEF is calling on the leaders participating in the conflicts to display caution in order to protect the interests of the area. In addition, we demand that all leaders and stakeholders in the Northern region take action by mediating a conference of reconciliation between all of the warring parties. It is vital, in particular, for the two leaders of Zamfara, Lawal and Matawalle, to demonstrate self-control and maturity, as well as to cultivate a spirit of unity and collaboration, in order to combat the intimidating level of insecurity in the state.