Paul Unongo resigns as convener of Northern Elders Forum over Fulani herdsmen massacres

FORMER Benue State governorship aspirant and federal minister for steel Dr Paul Unongo has resigned as the convener of the Northern Elders Forum (Nef) in protest at the lack of government action in response to the incessant Fulani herdsmen attacks.

Over the last two years since President Muhammadu Buhari has assumed office, herdsmen have stepped up their attacks on ,local farming communities across Nigeria, killing hundreds. Last week, about 80 people were massacred in Dr Unongo's native Benue State and so far the federal government has done very little about it.

Widely regarded as the senior elder statesman of Benue State, Dr Unongo was Nigeria's steel minister between 1979 and 1982 and in 1983 ran for governor under the platform of the Nigerian Peoples Party. Over recent months, he has campaigned vigorously for the federal government to address the incessant killings in Benue State and exasperated at the lack of action, he has decided to quit the Nef.

About two weeks ago, Dr Unongo threatened to raise an army against the killer herdsmen in Benue State as the only way to defend his people. Dr Unongo, who succeeded the late former Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Maitama Sule, last year as Convener of the elite Northern group, convened an emergency meeting yesterday, where he informed members of his decision to step aside.

Dr Unongo said: “I opted to step down because of my conviction that the time has come for the Nef to produce the type of leaders that will implement some suggestions we have made. My stepping down will also afford me the opportunity to concentrate fully on other things that will further move the country forward."

Confirming the development, Nef spokesperson, Professor Ango Abdullahi, said it accepted Dr Unongo’s resignation reluctantly. He added that the Nef has agreed that the deputy convener, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura, should hold forth in the interim until a new convener is appointed.

Professor Abdullahi said: “The Nef  reluctantly accepted the offer of its convener to step aside to allow the emergence of a structured leadership which should prepare the forum to deal with many of the challenges facing the north. It took note of the sterling contributions of Wantaregh Paul Unongo to the foundation and development of the Northern Elders Forum along with its late predecessor and confident, Danmasanin Kano Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule.

“The forum has been assured by Wantaregh Paul Unongo of his life-time commitment to the goals and projects of the forum and is grateful for the fatherly and statesmanly status which he will continue to place at the service of the forum. The forum has approved that the deputy convener, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura, should assume responsibility for the interim leadership and further reorganisation will be undertaken in the next few days”.

According to Professor Abdullahi, the forum, while commiserating with families and communities that lost members and assets, called on the federal and state governments as well as security agencies to take more decisive steps to restore the security of lives and property of citizens. He added that the forum will continue to seek all opportunities and avenues to engage leaders, governments and all stakeholders in the search for peace and security in the north and Nigeria.