Northern elders worry over Dangote, Rabiu fight

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concern over the rift between popular businessmen of Northern extraction, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Rabiu of BUA Company.

NEF also said it was disturbed over the rift between the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle and his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal

NEF, in a statement by its Convener, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, said that the development was affecting the region’s economic and political stability.

“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 security and the economy,” the statement read in part.

“In light of this, NEF calls on the leaders involved in the conflicts to exercise restraint in the interest of the region. We also call on all leaders and stakeholders in the North to intervene by facilitating a reconciliation meeting among all the parties. It is essential specifically, for the two leaders of Zamfara, Lawal and Matawalle to exercise restraint and maturity, and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration against the daunting insecurity in the state.”