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Tag: ACF

  • 2015: North opts for ‘united front’

    The Arewa Consultative Forum rose from its meeting with Northern groups and associations on Monday with a resolve to form a united front for the region ahead of the 2015 general election.

    The northern stakeholders also lamented that past Nigerian Presidents of northern extraction seriously under-utilized the region assets and urged them to improve their inputs into the security and economic wellbeing of the north.

    A communiqué issued at the end of the two day meeting held in Kaduna and jointly signed by the Secretary General of ACF, Col. John Ubah (rtd) and Secretary Code Group, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the need for improved unity to mitigate the potential damage of partisan politics and use of religion and ethnicity to weaken the region was imperative.

    The communiqué said, “The North has a majority in population, and should use this advantage to negotiate and support candidates and programmes that will address current challenges in the region and its need for massive rehabilitation and economic reconstruction in the future.

    “We have also resolved to mobilize northern leaders to engage leaders from other parts and sections of the country in discussions and activities aimed at finding solutions to common problems and long term strategies for improving the nation’s security, unity and prosperity.”

    It said the North recognises the necessity of collaborating with other Nigerians including those living outside on the basis of mutual respect and knowledge that Nigeria can only overcome its current challenges if all stakeholders are genuinely involved in shaping its future.

  • ACF to FG: Don’t draft ex-militants into army

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has lauded the Federal Government’s plan to reinstate 10,000 retired soldiers to boost the army in the fight against insurgency.

    It, however, warned that ex-Niger-Delta militants should not by any means be considered for enlistment in the army.

    ACF in a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said the appropriate authorities must scrutinize the retired soldiers thoroughly and reinstate only the qualified persons.

    The statement reads: “It has been brought to the knowledge of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that the Federal Government has authorized the reinstatement of 10,000 retired soldiers back into the Nigeria Army. This in the wisdom of government is to boost the strength of the military to confront the insurgency that has engulfed the country.

    “ACF welcomes this development, however, it wishes to caution the authorities responsible for the reinstatement to scrutinize the retired soldiers thoroughly and ensure that only persons qualified in accordance with military regulations are recalled.

    “Furthermore, the issue of federal character must be reflected in the selection process to ensure fair representation of all sections of the country. ACF therefore urges the authorities to display transparency and honesty in the reinstatement exercise.

    “ACF particularly advises that those who have never been in the military and therefore, cannot be re-instated or recalled should be precluded from the exercise, as on no account should ex-militants, who after receiving formal training as part of Amnesty granted by late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s benevolence, be considered to benefit from the exercise. They are not qualified for either reinstatement or recall from the reserve list.”

  • ACF seeks probe of allegations

    ACF seeks probe of allegations

    The ArewaConsultative Forum (ACF) yesterday urged the Federal Government to investigate the allegations by Australian Dr. Stephen Davies against Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and ex-Governor Ali Modu-Sheriff. He named them as Boko Haram sponsors.

    A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Mohammed Ibrahim, at the end of its Board of Trustees meeting in Kaduna, said: “The meeting discussed extensively the increasing spate of insecurity in the North, especially in the states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where large Nigerian territories have been seized by the Boko Haram insurgents despite the emergency rule imposed by the Federal Government.

    “It also discussed the allegations made by Dr. Stephen Davis, an Australian hostage negotiator who spent some time in Nigeria on the invitation of the Nigerian Government to try to secure the release of the Chibok girls that were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on the 14th April 2014.

    “His allegations were contained in an interview he granted the media recently. Dr. Davies alleged the involvement of some prominent politicians, military officers and Government officials among the top sponsors of Boko Haram insurgency.

    “It is in consideration of this serious  situation that the meeting resolved that, ACF condemns in strong terms the seizure of some local government areas in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states and the continuous capturing of more territorial areas of Nigeria by the insurgents.

    “ACF expresses its disappointment with the inept attitude and leadership of the military in combating this menace that has resulted into mass killing of innocent souls, destruction of property and displacement of persons. It equally appeals to the military and other security agencies to review their strategy, share intelligence and cooperate with neighboring countries, use modern weaponry and tactics to reclaim Nigerian territories under the control of insurgents.

    “ACF calls upon the Federal Government to urgently institute an investigation into the weighty allegations made by Dr. Stephen Davies against the persons named in his interview with the international media in funding and sustaining the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast. Persons found to have been involved in such crime against the state should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “ACF urges Nigerians to rise up and unite for good governance and peaceful coexistence irrespective of political, religious and other inclinations.

    “ACF calls upon the government at all levels to provide adequate rehabilitation materials to displaced persons located in various rehabilitation centres in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. It also commends the hospitality of the neighbouring countries like Republics of Niger, Chad and Cameroon that provide relief materials and accommodation to our people who fled to their countries.

     

  • Reclaim territories captured by Boko Haram, ACF urges military

    Reclaim territories captured by Boko Haram, ACF urges military

    North’s Foremost socio-political organisation, the  Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has told the military and the Federal Government to  urgently reclaim parts of the country captured by the Boko Haram sect.

    It described the performance of the military and other security agencies “unimpressive”.

    The ACF lamented that while reports have indicated that Boko Haram insurgents appeared to be on an unstoppable advance to over run more territories, efforts of the military to checkmate the advance of the insurgents was not yielding the desired result.

    The group in a statement last night after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at its headquarters, said the well attended meeting chaired by Ibrahim Coomassie, discussed exhaustively the security challenges in the North especially the capture of some towns and villages by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    A statement by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said:  “The meeting expressed deep concern about the rapid escalation of the security challenges in the North-East, particularly the capture of a large portion of the territories of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by the Boko Haram insurgents despite the state of emergency and the heavy presence of the military.”

    It queried “why our military now failing to quell such a rebellion by a band of insurgents?.

    “ACF calls on the Federal Government to, as a matter of extreme urgency, investigate and unravel the actual reason for the failure of the military to live up to their past performance.

    “ACF urges Federal Government to quickly take all necessary measures to reclaim the territories captured by the insurgents and restore the territorial integrity of Nigeria.” It said.

  • Nigeria not in mood for pro-Jonathan rally —ACF

    Nigeria not in mood for pro-Jonathan rally —ACF

    The Pan-Northern group,Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF),is not amused by plan  to hold  rallies across the nation by a group to drum up support  for  President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term in office.

    The rallies kick off today in Awka,Anambra State.

     The ACF  declared yesterday that the Nigeria is currently   in no mood for such rallies,the brainchild of Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), a non governmental organisation .

    “The present mood of the nation in the face of insecurity challenges of daily attacks on innocent souls by Boko Haram insurgents in the North, ritual killings in the West, kidnappings of prominent persons in the South South and armed robbery in the East and the sudden entry of Ebola virus into the country through one Mr. Sawyer calls for sober reflection, prayers and support to confront the challenges rather than the solidarity rally being planned by TAN,” ACF said in a statement in Kaduna by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim.

    The statement came four days after   the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) gave President Goodluck Jonathan up  till October  to bring back the Chibok girls and stop Boko Haram or forget 2015.

    The NEF said the military can defeat the Boko Haram terrorists – if, indeed, the government wants to subdue to sect,adding:”We are convinced that most of these conflicts are being engineered to weaken the North politically and economically by interests which intend to exploit such weaknesses for electoral benefits.”

    The Presidency’s  response  to the NEF’s ultimatum was swift in coming.

    It said  Jonathan does not require any threat or ultimatum from the north or any group of persons for him to perform his job.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the president on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe,said:”suggestion that the Government is carrying out any scheme to annihilate any section of the country for political gain is preposterous, contrary to common sense, divisive and essentially a deliberate attempt to disseminate “hate mentality” and cause mischief”.

    The ACF  said yesterday that while TAN members as Nigerians are entitled to their rights as other citizens the present situation in the country does not call for celebrations and political rally in support of any cause or any political office holder at this material time of security, social and health challenges.

    “Moreover. INEC is yet to lift the ban on political rallies as per the provisions of our constitution and the Electoral Act,” it said.

    Enumerating the insecurity  challenge in the North,ACF said: “Towns and villages are being wiped out, innocent people and including security personnel are being attacked and killed on daily basis in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states that have been under an emergency rule in the last 14 months.

    “The Federal and States Government combined effort in tackling the security challenges is yet to achieve the desired result and some Nigerians are busy planning celebrations.

    “The over 200 Chibok girls kidnapped 120 days ago are still in captivity of the Boko Haram insurgents, another 100 young men have recently been kidnapped at Baga Borno state, young girls are being used as suicide bombers, prominent persons are being killed or kidnapped for ransom, Damboa, Gwoza and many towns in Borno and Yobe states are being occupied by insurgents and Ebola virus is taking its toll on those who had primary or secondary contacts with the prime victim.”

    It pointed out that the organisers of the planned rallies would serve Nigeria better for now if they could pay attention to the plight of other Nigerians under siege of Boko Haram insurgents ,the daily killing of security personnel and innocent souls by insurgents, destruction of property and displacements of 400,000 persons due to insurgency the North East  and the Ebola threat.

    “Nigerians at this time need to unite and support Government efforts tackling the above menace not solidarity rallies,” it said and warned about  “the likely security threat and logistic burden such political rally will place on our security personnel that are already over stretched with the issue of terrorist activities nationwide.

    It asked  TAN members to  ”be human, sensitive and have a rethink on their planned solidarity rally in the six geopolitical zones and shift it to a more appropriate time especially the ones for Kano. Minna and Gombe for the sake of Nigerians under siege of insurgency and other challenges” and urged  politicians and the generality of Nigerians   to respect and obey the letters of our constitution in all our dealings in order to deepen our democracy, enthrone the rule of law and promote peace, unity and development.”

    TAN describes itself as  ” a non-governmental organization designed to promote good governance. It consists of individuals of impeccable character fostering the continuation of transformation by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ).

    “The Group is comprised of professional men and women, youths, businessmen and women, artists, artisans, sportsmen and women, physically challenged persons, widows associations, Christian, Muslim and native religious groups, community, traditional and market leaders, opinion moulders and analysts, farmers, school teachers, trade unions and all masses of Nigeria committed to the ideals of good and quality leadership, order, unity, peace and progress of our nation under the Constitution.”

    It credits  President Jonathan with  ”sterling human qualities, democratic credentials and landmark accomplishments” that   are “currently under marketed and under advertised.”

    This situation,it claims  has  ”given rise to the persistent false narrative about his leadership standing, and a myth that TAN has set out to deconstruct for Nigerians and the international community to know the truth and live by it.”

    The first of its rallies tagged  ‘Nigerians Demand’ is scheduled for today in Awka,Anambra State,in the Southeast.

    The Southwest  version comes up next Saturday in Ibadan  to be followed by the Southsouth edition on August 30.

    The others are :Northcentral:September 9,Minna;Northeast:September 20:Gombe ;and Northwest:September 27 in Kano.

  • Pro-Jonathan rally, security threat, says ACF

    Pro-Jonathan rally, security threat, says ACF

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)  yesterday said the infux of Nigerians  into Abuja for solidarity rallies in support of President Goodluck Jonathan is a security threat.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, ACF said: “The mass movement of Nigerians into Abuja at the time of the rally might likely cause security breaches and possibly be hijacked by hoodlums…’’

    “In as much as ACF is not against any peaceful rally or solidarity march in support of the President or any cause, we should consider the present insecurity in the country.

    “The forum considered it as ill-timed, ill-advised and a disregard to the feelings of other Nigerians affected by the security challenges.

    “ACF advises the authorities to ensure that such rallies are guided to avoid security breaches,” it said.

  • ACF faults pro-Jonathan rally

    The northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), on Wednesday described the mass movement of people from other parts of the country to Abuja for solidarity rally in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid as a security threat to the nation.

    ACF also said such mass demonstration by youths from certain sections of the country may portray them as insensitive to the plight of Nigerians that have been under attacks and bomb blasts.

    The Forum in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, said, “The movement of Nigerians to Abuja for such rallies may likely cause security breaches in the country.

    “In as much as ACF is not against any peaceful rally or solidarity march by any group of persons in support of Mr. President or any cause, however, considering the insecurity in the country and in particular the northern region, where there have been spate of bomb blasts and attacks on innocent Nigerians.

    “The ACF considered it as ill timed, ill-advised and a disregard to the feelings of other Nigerians affected by the security challenges.

    “In view of this, ACF wishes to advise the authorities concerned to ensure that such solidarity demonstrations are properly guided to avoid any likely security breaches.”

     

  • ACF to Boko Haram: Stay away from Bayelsa

    Hausa and Fulani communities in Bayelsa State have warned the Boko Haram insurgents against infiltrating the state.

    The communities through the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) insisted that Boko Haram should shelve its potential plan to attack any part of the oil-rich state.

    The state leadership of ACF said it had commenced routine checks on northerners living in the state.

    The security Committee Chairman of ACF, Mr. Kutcheti John, spoke at a security summit organised at the weekend in Yenagoa.

    The summit was organised by the state Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Desmond Agu.

    John said routine surveillance on northerners in the state was part of measures initiated by ACF to stop members of the sect from gaining access to Bayelsa.

    He, however, noted that terrorist attacks executed by members of Boko Haram had become a global issue.

    John said issues of Boko Haram should not be localised and treated as a domestic problem if the country intends to win the war against terror.

  • Boko Haram: North in a state of hopelessness – ACF

    The pan northern socio-political organization, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said Wednesday the current state of insecurity in the region has placed it in a state of despair and hopelessness.

    In a statement signed by its the National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim and made available to The Nation in Kaduna, the Forum describe as wicked, gruesome and condemnable, Monday’s bomb attack on a market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    ACF appealed to the insurgents to embrace civilized ways of addressing perceived grievances and seek dialogue with the government as violence has never address any misgiving.

    The statement reads: “The bomb blast that occurred on Monday morning at the Maiduguri market in Borno State was wicked, gruesome and condemnable considering the huge number of children and old women that were killed in the blast and also the destruction of property it caused.

    “In the last 10 days, over 100 people were killed in various bomb blasts in Borno, Abuja, Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna.  Many states in the northern region including Abuja have witnessed and experienced too many bomb blasts in the last five years which had killed many innocent lives, displaced many people, brought untold hardship on the citizens and distorted the economic life of the region.

    “In fact, the insecurity situation has placed the region in a state of despair and hopelessness despite the effort of the military and other security agencies in combating the insurgency.

    “The activities of the Boko Haram insurgents, unknown gunmen and other criminals in the north are most unfortunate as innocent people have continued to suffer unjustly for  perceived grievances which they know nothing about.”

  • Sanusi emergence as emir act of God – ACF

    The pan northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Thursday asked the people of Kano to stop the protest against the appointment of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir and accept the appointment as will of God.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Mohammed Ibrahim, said in a congratulatory message made available to The Nation in Kaduna that the appointment was an act destined by Allah who gives power.

    The Forum asked the new Emir to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the development of Kano and see his new position as the father of all the people of Kano and by extension, Nigerians resident in the state.

    The statement reads: “Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) hereby congratulates the new Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on his appointment as the new Emir of Kano after the demise of Alhaji Ado Bayero.

    “The selection of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir by the Kano emirate king makers was an act destined by Allah who alone gives leadership to whosoever He wishes. May Allah give the new Emir the wisdom and courage to see this new position as the father of Kano people and by extension Northerners and Nigeria at large.

    “The new Emir should therefore bring his wealth of experience, competence and exposure to bear in uniting the royal family members and people of Kano for a peaceful transition and continuation of the good legacies of late Ado Bayero.

    “ACF has an unflinching regard and respect to the traditional institutions as peace stabilizers, custodians of our core values, culture and customs, we therefore calls on HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to uphold the sanctity of the institution and consider his appointment as a rare opportunity to serve his people in this new capacity. We pray that Almighty Allah will protect and guide him and also bless his reign with peace, unity and development.

    “The traditional institution of Kano is highly revered and respected not only by Kano people (Kanawas) but all Nigerians and even beyond our shores because of its rich cultural heritage and accommodation of all manners of people irrespective of their religious, political and tribal inclinations.”