The leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest over the current economic hardship in the country, describing it as ill-timed, not purpose-driven, and counterproductive if allowed to proceed.
The National Chairman of the forum, Mamman Osuman, made this declaration after a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
Osuman stated that the ACF has reached a consensus decision on the nationwide protest, concluding that it is not in the best interest of the North or the entire country. The ACF called on the people of the North not to participate in the protest.
The ACF also expressed concern over the multidimensional poverty and violent crimes ravaging the Northern region, which have hampered development. However, it commended Governor Sani for his innovative policies on rural development and social reconciliation, which it believes have the potential to significantly mitigate the endemic insecurity and poverty in the North.
Osuman said, “As a matter of fact, we have long sought such an opportunity to express our profound appreciation and support for the innovative policies of rural development and social reconciliation, which Your Excellency has committed to in Kaduna State. We cannot wait to celebrate the positive outcomes of these visionary policies.
“Our rural areas stand in great need of attention and transformation, given the growing scourge of multidimensional poverty and violent crimes ravaging the North. Dedicated and well-funded rural development programmes such as yours have the potential to greatly mitigate the endemic insecurity and banditry occurring across the country.
“In their wisdom, Northern leaders, including state governors, Emirs, Chiefs, and other Elders, decided to establish the ACF back in the year 2000. It was against the background of a similar crisis of widespread insecurity and strife. The intention was to bring together, on one platform, representatives of the diverse peoples of Northern Nigeria, without regard to political, ethnic, or religious affiliation.
“ACF is to operate as a ‘Citizens’ or ‘Elders’ Council, keeping its eyes and ears open. It is to look out for issues and developments that can potentially lead to disharmony, conflicts, or crises across the North and promote development. At the lower levels, our state chapters operate with the same template.
“We at ACF remain committed to articulating and defending the interests of the peoples of the North through our various activities. One of such was the recently constituted Technical Committee that reviewed the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by the ACF.
“The report of the Technical Committee formed the basis of ACF’s submission to the joint committees of the National Assembly on Constitution review. Our input will be formally made available to the Northern Governors’ Forum.”
On his part, Governor Sani urged the citizens of the state not to participate in any protest against the government, stating that the organizers of the protest do not mean well for the country.
Governor Sani also absolved President Bola Tinubu of allegations of working against the North, as suggested in some quarters.
He said, “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been giving uncommon support to state governments in the North to address their myriad challenges. The narrative that President Tinubu is against the North is false, absurd, and unbecoming. It is the handiwork of elements who are experts at political manipulation.
“They are only interested in feathering their political nests, not the development of Northern Nigeria. The Arewa Consultative Forum must beware of such elements. Their antics and manipulations are chiefly responsible for the relegation of the North to the economic and political backwaters.”
