A Northern group under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) yesterday threatened that there would not be any election in the North next year if Nigerians in the captivity of terrorists are not freed and the region liberated from attacks.
Speaker of the group, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, who issued the warning in a statement, lamented the continuous captivity of the victims of the ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna-bound train who have spent over 120 days in captivity and still counting.
The group said it was unfortunate that the terrorists holding these innocent Nigerians captive have the gut to celebrate their nefarious activities in a video depicting how they were molesting their victims while the Federal Government continues to give flimsy directives and excuses without results.
“The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) shares in the pain and agony of the immediate families and friends of those in captivity and we pray to God to intervene through His supernatural power and set them free.
“The AYA noted that the growing audacity of non-state actors which led to the invasion of Kuje Maximum Prison, Abuja and subsequent release of numerous arrested Boko Haram commanders showed that even Mr President in the Presidential Villa is not safe. This means that it is just a matter of time; these ragtag elements may draw inspiration from Afghanistan and take over the leadership of our country.
“We have observed that this insult to our country’s supremacy wouldn’t have been possible if the National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno who is supposed to guide Mr President had not run out of ideas.
“Having been appointed the NSA over seven years ago, we strongly believe he has nothing new to offer, hence, the need to vacate the office or get kicked out by Mr President.
“We make bold to state that our youths won’t participate in activities in the build-up to 2023 general election and the election proper if our brothers and sisters in captivity are not released and our communities are liberated.
“In other words, politicians are only welcome to our region when we have every reason to believe that our forests are free from bandits and terrorists.
“The Assembly wish to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to recall the circumstances behind the bomb explosion in Kawo that almost claim lives and come hard on the terrorist elements who are sharing legitimacy of government with him.