Nigeria Content Online

The responsibility
for curbing violence in Jos, the Plateau State capital, lies with both
the state and federal governments, the governor of Niger State,
Babangida Aliyu, has said.

Mr. Aliyu, who
spoke with reporters at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed
Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, disclosed that though concerted efforts have
been put in place by Northern governors to calm the trouble in the
city, the affected state and the federal government have a lot to do to
restore peace in the state.

“We are trying our
best, the Northern governors even went to minute and resolve this
matter but we believe that the onus is on the federal government and
the state government,” he said.

Mr Aliyu, who is
also the head of the Northern Governors Forum, said the violence
should, however be controlled before it spreads to other states of the
federation.

“I believe that
both at the local level and at the national level, we must act
concertedly so that we are able to nip this thing in the bud; we must
all come together,” he said. “There are reports that have been made,
there are reports with the federal government; the State government
must also be able to sit down with segments of the society to be able
to resolve this matter,” he said.

Facing litigation

Speaking on the
lawsuit against his government, Mr. Aliyu said though it is a challenge
to his administration, democracy permits such, adding that litigations
at times motivate leaders to give their best in order to remain in
office.

“It is a thing of
concern but, again in a growing democracy, we are likely to have that
because many people would want to try many avenues. Gradually this will
come to subside,” he said.

“If you recall I have had litigations since I started, one of them
just finished about last month so sometimes it should inspire people
for better services and in the process we should also be very careful.”