By; KAGANA AMSHI, Damaturu
Two former Chiefs of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Alwali Kazir and General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), have endorsed the formation of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), describing it as a commendable initiative deserving of widespread support given the numerous challenges facing the North and the country at large.
General Kazir, who also served as a Military Governor of Kwara State, recently hosted the leadership of the league, led by its chairman, former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, at his residence in Abuja.
“I am happy we still have thinking and patriotic people left in the present chaotic situation of the North.
No matter who or where you are, as long as you come from what used to be the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria, then you are a Northerner and it is your duty to help make the North worthy of living.
“I have read through your concept note and your communique and I think you are on the right course,” said General Kazir.
He mentioned that he learned about the formation and activities of the LND from close associates and, after reviewing various publications on the LND, became convinced that it is the right place to be.
“I am sure you know that my son, Brigadier Kapeh, is also a member of the league. That should tell you the level of my support for the movement.”
General Kazir, fully committed to supporting the initiative, urged the LND to “live up to its mission and not fade away like many other such organizations.”
He promised to contribute intellectual inputs to strengthen the movement’s position within the political landscape of the region and the nation.
In a separate event, another former Chief of Army Staff and former Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai, received a delegation of the LND at his home, led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.
General Agwai stated emphatically,
“I am in this with you. I will go through your letter and revert to you. But in the meantime, rest assured I am in this with you. Even though I am not a politician and have no intention of becoming one, I will stand by you as your intentions seem noble”, Agwai stated.
He commended the group’s efforts and commitment to addressing the region’s challenges.
“Some of us saw these dangers coming long before we reached where we are today and worked hard to avert them while we were in service.”
General Agwai promised to support the group’s activities aimed at returning to the days of selfless service.
He thanked the delegation for seeking his support and particularly appreciated Dr. Umar Ardo for his persistent efforts. He noted that such determination is essential to getting things done.
The League of Northern Democrats, convened by academic and politician Dr. Umar Ardo, was recently launched in a meeting attended by key Northern elites.
The group appointed former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau as its Protem chairman and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Emmanuel Jime as its secretary, among other eminent Northern Nigerians.
The League is a coalition of two critical groups within the northern elite. The first group consists of individuals who have distinguished themselves in various sectors of public service, private enterprises, and other significant fields. The second group comprises similar individuals but also includes members of families of renowned past leaders, patriots, and heroes from the North who left behind legacies of service and values.
The combination of these two groups aims to reposition the North advantageously in political, economic, and strategic terms within the Nigerian nation-state.
The group is scheduled to hold a political summit in Kaduna in October this year, with Vice President Kashim Shetima expected to attend.
According to its Convener, the LND is a political movement with political objectives but is currently non-partisan, without any ethnic or religious affiliations or sentiments.
“The movement came into being to help the government tackle the myriad of challenges undermining the northern states, such as disunity, insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, destitution, unemployment, and the menace of drug addiction among the youths,” said Dr. Umar Ardo.
