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Tag: ACF

  • ACF applauds FG on rescue of Chibok girls

    ACF applauds FG on rescue of Chibok girls

    The mouthpiece of Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for securing the release of 21 of the over 200 Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.

    ACF said the development was a clear indication that Buhari’s administration is determined and committed to end the Boko Haram insurgency and rescue all the innocent people the sect abducted.

    The forum in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, in Kaduna yesterday said, said the release of the 21 Chibok girls from Boko Haram captivity has rekindled its hope and confidence in the Buhari administration that it is committed to the security and welfare of the citizens.

    According to the statement, “The news from the Federal Government that 21Chibok girls out of the 217 female students that were abducted over two years ago at Chibok Government Girls Secondary School in Borno State by the Boko Haram terrorists have been released by their abductors is a welcome and reassuring development and clearly demonstrates the commitment and the determination of the Buhari administration to not only tackle the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East but also to search, rescue and secure the release of all persons abducted by the Boko Haram and in particular the Chibok girls.

    “The release of the 21 girls has certainly gladdened the hearts of the affected parents, relations, the non-governmental organisations, Nigerians and in particular the Bring Back Our Girls organisation (BBOG).

    “It will be recalled that the BBOG not only initiated and sustained the campaign but also mobilised the whole world that put pressure on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in search of the abducted Chibok girls.

    “Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also been at the forefront in condemning the lacklustre attitude of the past regime over the abduction of the Chibok girls by the Boko Haram terrorists and its consistent appeal to government to deploy all security apparatus at its disposal to search and rescue the girls.

    “The cheering news that the Federal Government has secured the release of 21 Chibok girls from Boko Haram captivity has rekindled our hope and confidence in the Buhari administration that it is committed to the security and welfare of its citizens.

    “ACF therefore commends the effort of the Federal Government in securing the release of the 21 Chibok girls. It equally salutes the courage, commitment, tenacity and perseverance of the BBOG that despite all odds and obstacles, they remained resolute and focused in their campaign to see that the girls are rescued and released in good health.

    “ACF also salutes other non-governmental organisations and individuals that supported the campaign which have started to yield positive results.

    “ACF commends our security agencies for their professionalism in collaborating with the Red Cross and the Swiss government to secure the release of the Chibok girls.

    “ACF therefore urges the security agencies to sustain this synergy and fast track the search and rescue operation in order to release the other girls still in captivity.

    “ACF also urges the Federal Government to not only provide medical and rehabilitation facilities to the traumatised girls but also release them to their parents to quickly reintegrate into their community/communities.”

  • ACF’s unhelpful intervention

    IN its reaction to the rising calls for restructuring, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has predicated its opposition to the campaign on two main grounds. One, that agitators should instead explore the option of presenting their suggestions to the National Assembly through their representatives. And two, that the timing is bad on account of the security challenges the country is facing, especially militant attacks on pipelines and other forms of economic sabotage.

    This hubristic and provocative argument came not too long after ex-military head of state, Yakubu Gowon, himself a respected northerner, sensibly suggested there was nothing wrong in restructuring Nigeria if the people could maturely agree on the modalities to effect change. After all, as he put it, he also had to restructure the country in his effort to avert the civil war, or failing that, to make it more difficult for secessionists to achieve their territorial aim. Sooner or later, restructuring will take place despite opposition. This generation has the responsibility to make it a peaceful one.

  • ACF: calls for restructuring diversionary

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday described growing calls for restructuring of the polity as “diversionary and a misplaced priority.”

    The ACF said groups, such as Afenifere and others cannot blackmail the Federal Government to restructure Nigeria.

    It described restructuring of a country as a serious business that must take account of the views of all citizens, and not just fom those shouting the loudest or issuing threats, intimidation or blackmail.

    The northern socio-cultural group, in a communique at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, said the democratic structure provides opportunity for groups and individuals to present their agitation through their representatives in the legislature.

    The communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim, said: “On whether or not to restructure Nigeria, ACF observed with regret that most of those discussions are taking place without regard to decorum or civility, as the issues are often presented as “demands” by one group or the other.

    “Unfortunately, in most cases, they are followed up by some ultimatum to the authorities to accept or face deadly consequences. Some groups refer to restructuring to mean “true” federalism, others call it “resource control”.

    “However, restructuring a complex, big and diverse country as Nigeria is a serious business that must take account of views of all citizens, and not just of those that shout the loudest or issue threats, intimidation or blackmail.

    “Moreover, our democratic structure provides opportunity for groups and individuals to present their agitation through their representatives in the legislature.

    “Nigeria now faces more serious security challenges, social and economic problems, such as the destruction of oil pipelines by the Niger Delta militants, Boko Haram insurgency, youth restiveness, drop in oil revenue, unnecessary killing and kidnapping  etc. that require everyone’s input, rather than diverting the attention and resources of government on an issue that could be tackled by our democratic structure.

    “ACF, therefore, considers such agitation as diversionary and a misplaced priority.” ACF said.

    On security challenges, ACF said despite efforts  by the military and other security agencies in tackling insurgency, militancy, kidnapping and indiscriminate killing by gunmen, the menace is becoming a threat to the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians that have lived peacefully over the years.

    It added: “The killing of the ruler of Bokkos Local Government in Plateau State, the Saf Ron Kulere, Lazarus Agai and the kidnap of another ruler in Benue State for ransom and many others, raise serious concerns.

  • ACF condemns ‘Fulani herdsmen’ attack on Enugu community

    ACF condemns ‘Fulani herdsmen’ attack on Enugu community

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday condemned the attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on the Ukpabi Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu State.

    A statement by National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Muhammad Ibrahim, also called on relevant government authorities to take proactive measure to address the situation.

    The statement said: “The attack by some suspected Fulani herdsmen on the Ukpabi Nimbo Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State is most unfortunate, barbaric and condemnable.

    “Arewa Consultative Forum commends the prompt action taken by President Muhammadu Buhari by directing the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police to not only secure the affected communities under attacks by herdsmen but also ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly acts are fished out and brought to justice.

    “ACF extends its condolences to the Government and people of Enugu State over this unfortunate ugly incident particularly the people of Ukpabi Nimbo Community.

    “Nigeria cannot afford to graduate from Boko Haram insurgency to an unwarranted attack by unknown gunmen alleged to be Fulani herdsmen. The traditional Fulani nomads have coexisted peacefully with their host communities and have been grazing their cattle for decades all over Nigeria without any such attacks.

    “ACF is therefore disturbed and seriously concern with this recent development. It therefore calls upon the security agencies to do a thorough investigation into the identities of the suspected gunmen in order to stop this dangerous generalization of labelling certain tribe or people of certain faith responsible for these attacks.”

  • Coomassie, ACF Chairman want President, Governors stripped of immunity 

    Coomassie, ACF Chairman want President, Governors stripped of immunity 

    Former Inspector General of Police and Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie is canvassing a drastic reform of the political process and the judicial system.

    Top of the political reform Coomassie wants is the removal of public office holders’ immunity, which, according to him, will help in sanitizing the electoral process and reduce abuse of office.

    He spoke at the International Conference on ‘Deepening Democracy through Elections in Nigeria: An Assessment’ organised by the Department of Political Science and International Studies of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

    The ACF Chairman who chaired the conference said the political reform has become imperative to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

    Citing the 2015 elections, the former IGP said:”From one source alone, a staggering $2.1billion earmarked for procurement of arms to fight insurgency in the North-east was diverted to secure the electoral victory of the PDP.

    “Indicators suggest that most government agencies and departments were forced to cough out funds to aid in the electoral victory of the PDP, making it the most expensive election in the nation’s history.

    “Now that we have a new government in place, which campaigned for and won because it promised change and is therefore amenable for the reform of the whole political processes. We must avail ourselves with the opportunity to make far-reaching reforms that will safeguard this democracy.”

    On the immunity clause, the former IGP said, “it is time to expunge this immunity clause in the constitution or amend it to give the President and Governors only immunity from civil litigations. This is one of the many steps that will help sanitise not only the electoral process, but reduce the abuse of office that have become the hallmark of elected public office holders in Nigeria.

    “As chief law officers, they are expected to be above board. From 1999 to date, this has not been the case. The democratic process has been characterised by impunity, disregard for service delivery and high levels of corruption.

    “Similarly, the Buhari administration should as soon as possible initiate a major reform of the judicial processes in Nigeria. Nigeria inherited the judicial system from the British at independence and since then, it has undergone minimal reforms.

    “Matters before our law courts suffer long and unnecessary delays. Prosecutors of criminal offenders suffer great frustrations at the court, especially when serious cases before our eminent jurists get thrown out on simple technicalities.

    “Strict penalties should be introduced for all electoral offences. After more than 50 years as an independent nation, and after several tries at the democratic governance, Nigeria must once and for all get her acts together. After 17 years of uninterrupted civil rule, Nigeria’s democracy can no longer be described as an experiment We must strive to consolidate this gain by not only making sure that our electoral processes are fool proof, but that attempt to tamper with them will meet the full wrath of the law,” Coomassie posited

    The ACF Chairman also called for abolition of the State Independent Electoral Commissions saying local government elections should be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which should computerise all electoral processes to allow for absolute credibility.

    Earlier his address, ABU Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Garba said it was time for the academia to rise up and shape public discuss through conferences like this.

    According to him, the academia, especially political scientists have a duty to examine and analyse the fierce struggles leading to primitive accumulation of wealth and have resulted in contemporary class conflicts, ethnic violence as well as the present phase of insurgency which is threatening national security.

  • Arewa youths write ACF, North’s elders

    The Arewa Youth Development Foundation (AYDF) has written to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) to take a position by reacting to ‘the humiliation of northerners in the East by the Igbo and their governments’.

    The group said it would, in a few days, meet all youth groups in Kano to review the actions of its leaders as against its previous communication on the agitation by the Igbo.

    This was contained in a joint statement by Aliyu Usman of AYDF, Aminu Adams of the Arewa Citizens Action for Change (ACAC), Bridget Cantiop Yahya  of the Northern Emancipation Network (NEN), Comrade Yusuf Muhammed of Arewa Students Forum (ASF) and Terkular J. Bishama of Arewa Youth Vanguard (AYV).

    The statement added that the meeting would sustain protests to halt plans to sever the present federal arrangement by asking Igbo not to relocate from the North or northerners from the East.

    It said the action was necessitated by MASSOB’s secession threats, which is backed by renewed humiliation of northerners in the Southeast and statements declaring Northerners, residents or passing by the East, as persona non grata.

    “On July 16 2014, a coalition of over 50 northern youth groups, under the aegis of Arewa Youth Development Foundation, matched to the palace of the Emir of Kano and submitted a position paper in reaction to the humiliation of northerners in the east by the Igbo Biafras and their governments.

    “The groups issued a two-week ultimatum for all northerners residing in any part of the east to return home and for Igbos residing in any part of the north to act likewise.

    “In response to that protest, the then National Security Council met and issued a directive for the suspension of the purported action against northerners in the east and appealed to us to suspend our action” the statement said.

  • ACF backs Buhari on stolen funds recovery

    ACF backs Buhari on stolen funds recovery

    President Muhammadu Buhari has again received support from Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), on the steps taken so far by his administration to recover stolen public funds.

    The ACF described the President’s steps as appropriate and timely to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of stolen public funds, saying the method would “sanitize the system and revive prudence and discipline in the conduct of public officers”.

    The northern socio-cultural group also applauded the United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, France and other western nations for helping Nigeria to track down, recover and repatriate stolen funds.

    The ACF Board of Trustees headed by elder Statesman, Mallam Adamu Fika made the observations on Thursday in Kaduna at the end of its meeting with members from the 19 northern states of the country.

    According to Mallam  Fika, who is also the Wazirin Fika in a statement: “The meeting therefore applauded the international cooperation and support the Federal Government is receiving in the effort to recover and repatriate all stolen funds”.

    The ACF said it noted with ‘dismay recent embarrassing and divisive statements from some elder statesmen which are capable of causing disaffection among the various components of Nigeria and called on such elements to employ civility and caution in their utterances for peace and harmony to prevail in our fledgeling democracy’.

    “It (ACF) was particularly unhappy with the activities of MASSOB and other ethnic agitators who are fond of calling for disintegration of the country after 55 years of independence”, the ACF lamented.

    The statement reads: “ACF reaffirmed its belief in one Nigeria and the need for all hands to be on deck to move the nation forward.

    “That the effort of the Federal Government in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency through the joint multinational military task force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, global counter terrorism support by the international community and the gallantry of our military and other security agencies is most highly commended.

    “It particularly salute the Military for repelling the recent attack on our troops at Goniri in Yobe state on Tuesday 6th October, 2015 where many terrorists were killed and dangerous  weapons recovered.

    “It noted that the success being recorded by the military and other security agencies in combating insurgency in the northeast must have been as a result of the support and encouragement from the Federal Government and the determination of the field commanders to end the insurgency within the time frame given by Mr. President.

    “The meeting also condemned the rampant kidnapping and ritual killings of innocent people and urged the security agencies to not only track down perpetrators of such crime but ensure that they are brought to book.

    “That the steps taken by the Federal Government to investigate, prosecute, perpetrators and repatriate stolen public are not only appropriate and timely but will also sanitize the system and revive prudence and discipline in the conduct of public officers.

    “The meeting therefore applauded the international cooperation and support the Federal Government is receiving in the effort to recover and repatriate all stolen funds.

    “That to boost economic activities and generate employment opportunities, the meeting appealed to the state governments to directly channel Federal allocations to the Local Government Councils to enable them execute projects that have direct bearing on the welfare and development of the people rather than the use of joint accounts that have in most cases been a conduit pipe for misapplication and abuse of state funds.

    “It urged State governments to respect the constitutional autonomy of the local government councils for grassroots development.

    “The meeting also called upon all tiers of government to address the issue of payment of back log of domestic debts especially local contractors bills, workers and pensioners emoluments which will equally revive the economic activities and make it to thrive.”

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  • ACF BLASTS AFENIFERE OVER FALAE, ATTACKS ON NORTH

    ACF BLASTS AFENIFERE OVER FALAE, ATTACKS ON NORTH

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday tore into the  Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, dismissing its statement  the  on the recent kidnap of former Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, by  Fulani herdsmen as not only reckless but unbecoming of a group like Afenifere.

    The ACF said that the Afenifere statement demanding the abolishment of nomadic cattle rearing, and criminalizing the Fulani on account of the action of a few, was out of place.

    “Nigeria has over 250 tribes and Yoruba is just one of them. For it to threaten other tribes just because of an alleged crime of some suspected herdsmen is unnecessary, emotional and contrary to the spirit and letters of the Nigerian constitution which guarantees free movement and association of citizens in any part of the country,” ACF said in the statement signed by its   National Publicity Secretary, Mohammad Ibrahim.

    It said it “is embarrassed and disappointed with the communique issued by the respected pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, after its meeting of 29th September, 2015 held in Akure at the residence of its leader, Pa Rueben Fasoranti

    “In November 2000 when some OPC hoodlums attacked Northerners in the Southwest region, ACF did not blame it on the Yoruba, rather it urged the government to arrest the perpetrators that committed the crime.

    “ACF considers criminality in any form as a serious offence and strongly condemned the kidnapping of Chief Olu Falae a former presidential candidate of the joint ticket of APP/AD in the 1999 general election which the North overwhelmingly supported him.

    “ACF has in the last six years consistently decried the insecurity situation in the country especially insurgency, kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery etc, but it has never blamed a tribe, people or region as responsible for such crimes, talk less of threatening their free movement or pursuit of their legitimate business and livelihood. The unity and peaceful coexistence of our people have always been the guiding principles of ACF in the Nigerian project above personal and emotional interests.

    “ACF therefore appeals to Afenifere and all other socio-cultural organizations and individuals to always exercise some restraint and show maturity in reacting to situations in view of the complexity of our country.

    “ACF equally calls upon the security agencies to not only intensify their effort in tracking down the kidnappers of Chief Olu Falae but also put in place preventive measures to forestall such frequent ugly incidents in the country.”

    The ACF also expressed sadness over the multiple bomb explosions which rocked Maiduguri, Borno state, Nyanya and Kuje surburds of the FCT, Abuja last week, killing scores of innocent Nigerians.

     

     

  • ACF urges military to expose Boko Haram backers

    ACF urges military to expose Boko Haram backers

    The Arewa Consultative Forum has condemned in strong terms those allegedly aiding and abetting the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast and other parts of the  country, saying they are enemies of Nigeria.

    The northern socio-cultural group was reacting to comments from Army authorities that some prominent politicians, and groups from the Northeast had been meeting marabouts to reverse the gains already recorded in the fight against the insurgents by the military.

    The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman had said among others that “the Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public and send a very strong and serious final warning to some prominent individuals and political groups who hail from Borno state in particular and Northeast generally, that there is information of plans by some highly placed individuals and political groups to undermine and scuttle the fight against terrorism and insurgency in this country. The unscrupulous individuals and their cohorts are determined to reverse the gains made and scuttle our efforts at achieving the Presidential directive to defeat Boko Haram terrorists within three months”.

    Speaking against this background, the ACF demanded a thorough investigation into the allegation and asked the military to expose all those behind such acts.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Muhammad Ibrahim, in a statement ,yesterday in Kaduna, noted that the body considered those behind such devilish act as simply “wicked”.

    The ACF said the alarm raised by the Army was “grave, disturbing and worrisome, considering the efforts being put by the military and other security agencies to end the insurgency in the Northeast region.”

    The statement reads: “It is callous, wicked and unfortunate that some prominent individuals place their personal benefits above national interest, the daily killings of innocent lives and destruction of property as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the last six years.

    “ACF urges the military to thoroughly investigate the clandestine activities and other diabolical efforts of these politicians, expose and prosecute them to serve as a deterrent to others. Nigeria cannot afford to treat such unscrupulous groups or individuals with kid gloves at this material time that all hands are on deck to restore peace and order in the Northeast subregion and the country in general.

    “ACF will support and encourage the military to take any lawful action against the so called prominent elders and politicians undermining the effort of the Federal Government to combat terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.”

  • ACF: avoid bitterness

    ACF: avoid bitterness

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday advised Nigerians to avoid bitterness and hatred.

    Its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said Nigerians rather than engage themselves in acrimony and bitterness, should unite and pray for the nation’s peaceful co-existence.

    According to the northern socio-cultural group,  the Muhammadu Buhari administration needs prayers to move the nation forward.

    The ACF stated: “Nigerians need to fervently pray for peace, stability and prosperity in view of the security challenges and economic hardships confronting the nation.”