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Tag: Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)

  • ACF tells Senators, Reps who to elect as leaders

    Mouthpiece of Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has tasked Senators-elect and members-elect who to elect as leaders, especially Senate President and Speaker.

    ACF said the National Assembly members should put vital human and leadership qualities into consideration while electing new principal officers for the Senate and the House of Representatives in the 9th National Assembly.

    Speaking in an interview with reporters in Kaduna on Sunday, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Malam Muhammad Ibrahim Biu said, such qualities are vital cogs in moving the wheel of the legislature forwards and having a smooth though not subservient relationship with the executive arm for government to thrive.

    “The election of the 9th National Assembly principal officers is the exclusive rights and prerogative of Senators and members-elect of the National Assembly.

    Read Also: Let’s unite against insecurity, ACF charges at Easter

    “However, the political parties that provided the platform for them to be elected also have a role in choosing those to superintendent over the affairs of the National Assembly for the purpose of ensuring good coordination with the executive that are needed for delivering on the promise of democracy.

    “ACF therefore urges Senators and members-elect that in exercising their rights to elect officers of their choice, certain attributes like legislative capacity and experience, amiability, track record of selfless service, integrity, compassion of the candidates and above all loyalty to their political parties, which manifestos are used for securing the electoral mandate needed for implementation, should guide them in making the best choice.

    “More so that democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable and the minority party is expected to be a viable alternative platform for the electorates, considering that democracy without a viable opposition is spurious.

    “It should however be noted that multiparty democracy impels progress through change that comes with robust debates on issues of real concern to ordinary citizens.” ACF spokesman said.

     

  • Let’s unite against insecurity, ACF charges at Easter

    Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on all Nigerians to unite against the various security challenges bedeviling the country and assist the government with necessary support to win the war.

    ACF made the call in its Easter message by the National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu.

    ACF argued the task of overcoming security challenges posed by kidnapping, insurgency, cattle rustling, banditry and the unnecessary clashes between various ethnic groups cannot be left to government alone.

    The statement reads: “Christians all over the world celebrate Easter with prayers and activities of self- sacrifice for the common good of the society.

    “The period commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which gives Christians the opportunity to reflect on the exemplary life and good teachings of Jesus Christ that include his tolerance, forgiveness, love and self- sacrifice for the good of humanity and strive to live up His legacies at all time.

    “The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has united Christians to be one people through promotion of core value of humanity that comes with sacred inviolability of the individual. We are now equal before God.

    Read Also: Nigeria at war with itself, says ACF scribe

    “ACF, therefore, wishes Nigerians, especially Christians, happy celebration and also urges all Nigerians, no matter their status to practice the virtue of tolerance, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, good neighborliness and love for one another, and continue to pray for peaceful coexistence, harmony, stability and prosperity for all.

    “It is against such backdrop that ACF wishes to submit that the task of overcoming security challenges posed by kidnapping, insurgency, cattle rustling, banditry and the unnecessary clashes between various ethnic groups cannot be left to government alone.

    “All leaders and Nigerians should come together and live up the synergistic potential against collective challenges for common good.

    “Specifically, ACF calls on the governments at all levels and security agencies to intensify their operations and also maintain surveillance in the red alert states until peace and normalcy are restored.

    “But for the needed normalcy to return, all Nigerians must also play their roles of providing support by way of intelligence to the security agencies which would enable them to succeed.

    “The governments should therefore hit the ground running by making Nigerians become one in favor of good governance needed for the good of all.”

     

  • I’ll do more, Buhari reassures Nigerians

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday renewed his pledge to work harder and consolidate on the gains on security, economy, jobs creation, anti-graft corruption and infrastructure upgrade.

    Speaking while hosting the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the State House in Abuja, the President promised not to let Nigerians down.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, the President was quoted as saying: “This is my last lap. I will try and work even harder than I have done. I assure you that I will not let you down. I pray that my best will be good enough.”

    The President, who thanked members of the ACF for their consistent and dogged support, said he remained appreciative of their goodwill.

    He said: “I’m very appreciative of this visit, especially when I have seen some of my seniors, some of my colleagues and a couple of my juniors, among the team. This reminds me of the good old days when we were in the military.

    “Actually, nobody dropped from the sky. For Arewa Consultative Forum to identify with me, having come from this geo-political zone, I’m very much appreciative of this.

    “I’m very pleased with the address of the chairman who reminded me of the undertaken we made, basically on the three important things my party campaigned on and succeeded.

    Speaking on behalf of the ACF, the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Mallam Adamu Fika, said the organisation had visited to congratulate President Buhari on his re-election.

    Fika lauded the Federal Government for completing some strategic projects undertaken by previous administrations in the North but abandoned.

    He listed some of the abandoned projects as the Baro Dry Port and the Mambilla Hydro Power station.

    Mallam Fika said: “It is pleasing to note that since then, the Baro Dry Port has been commissioned, while some other projects have been reactivated and are now being implemented.

    “We pray that those organs of government charged with the responsibility for the implementation will double their efforts to ensure that these projects are executed fully to their logical conclusion within reasonable time.”

  • ACF, NLC urge Atiku to concede defeat

    THE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to run an inclusive government.

    It also urged Buhari’s main challenger in the presidential race, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to concede defeat and congratulate the president-elect.

    Also yesterday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) asked all those who lost in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections, especially former Vice President Abubakar, to put the interest of the nation first and accept defeat in good fate.

    According to the ACF, conceding defeat and congratulating President Buhari by Atiku, will be in the overall interest of Nigeria and rank the former vice president among global democrats.

    In a congratulatory message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, the ACF said there was credible evidence that the election was peaceful, free and fair.

    It equally called on President Buhari to ensure that “the new administration keeps to its promise of strengthening Nigeria’s unity and inclusiveness in government, so that no section or group is left behind or left out”.

    The ACF said: “The declaration of President Buhari of the APC as the president-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC)’s Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, after collating all the election results of 2019 presidential election received from the 36 states and FCT, and having satisfied the requirements as provided by law has signalled a new administration in our democratic process.

    “The journey to this point has not been easy to the contestants, the electorate and other stakeholders. However, with perseverance, resilience, determination and hard work by all in the electoral process, Nigeria has come to this successful end.

    “The 2019 presidential election is another milestone in the nation’s election history in view of the keen contest between the two major contenders in the persons of President Buhari of APC and Alhaji Abubakar of PDP.

    “The successful conclusion of this election despite some of the ugly incidences witnessed in some parts of country in terms of ballot box snatching, killings, security challenges and other logistic problems, Nigerians have clearly demonstrated their resolve to move forward and consolidate the gains of multiparty democracy.

    “ACF, therefore, congratulates all Nigerians for their resilience, commitment and courage in exercising their civic responsibility amid challenges that are natural concomitant of such tasks and responsibilities.

    “The ACF equally congratulates President Buhari on his re-election as the president in the just concluded 2019 presidential election. Of equal importance, the ACF salutes the courage of Atiku for putting up a gallantry fight with an impressive performance in the presidential elections.

    “The forum calls on Atiku as a committed democrat, who cherishes peaceful democratic transition, to accept the will of the people, concede defeat and congratulate President Buhari on his well-deserved victory, especially as there was credible evidence that the elections have been generally peaceful, free and fair.

    “Such concession on the part of the main challenger would be in the overall interest of Nigeria and place him among global democrats…

    “ACF urges all Nigerians to demonstrate the same spirit and commitment in the March 9 Governorship and State Assembly elections.”

    NLC President Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in a statement in Abuja, urged Atiku and other losers to bear in mind that no candidate’s victory or loss is worth the blood of any Nigerian or their property.

    Read also: Buhari’s victory an expression of Nigerian’s sovereign will, says Tinubu

    He told the President that his re-election should avail him a great opportunity to reflect on and re-assess his vision, strategy and implementation as well as enables him to complete pending projects and initiate new ones where feasible.

    The statement reads: “The NLC wishes to congratulate Buhari on his re-election as President, being the second person to get re-elected since the return to civilian rule 20 years ago.

    “We also wish to congratulate other candidates for their participation and urge them to accept the outcome of the election, and adherence to the peace accord they had signed before the election.

    “The electioneering campaign, although bitterly fought and the election itself keenly contested, we urge the President-elect and any aggrieved party to put first the interest of the nation. We reiterate that no candidate’s victory or loss is worth the life or property of anyone.”

  • Onnoghen can’t be judge in own case – ACF

    Mouthpiece of Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has broken its silence on the controversial suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, saying that, he cannot be judged in his own case.

    ACF stated categorically that, with the CJN’s refusal to step aside and allow the due process of the law to take its course, he has created the impression that his personal interests in this matter supercede that of the judiciary and the nation.

    These were part of ACF’s resolutions from Tuesday’s meeting of its Board of Trustees (BoT), chaired by the Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Fika.

    According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by ACF’s Secretary-General, Mr. Anthony Sani, said, Nigeria cannot hope to develop and take its rightful place in the comity of nations unless and until Nigerians learn to respect their laws and enforce them fairly and consistently.

    According to the communique, “The Board of Trustees (BOT), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) met today, Tuesday, 29th January, 2019, under Alhaji Adamu Fika, GCON, Wazirin Fika, the Chairman. Members from all parts of the 19 Northern States and the FCT were also in attendance.

    “The Meeting discussed a number of issues, including the current controversies relating to the suspension from office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Justice Walter Onnoghen. The Meeting decided to issue the following Communiqué.

    “The ACF notes that the allegation against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), are that he failed to comply with the expressed provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act, to wit, failure to declare his assets on assumption of office as Justice of the Supreme Court and as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila opposes Senate over Onnoghen

    “That when he was made to declare his assets as demanded by law, he failed to declare all of them. That among the assets he failed to declare are bank accounts in local and foreign currencies whose values run in millions of Naira. He also failed to declare other assets, including many houses and other landed property. That subsequent investigations have continued to unearth other property belonging to Justice Onnoghen, not declared.

    “That Hon. Justice Onnoghen was said to have told investigators that the reason for his not declaring those assets was forgetfulness.

    “Following the discovery of these infractions, the Code of Conduct Bureau, (CCB), swiftly referred the matter to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Which made an order for the temporary suspension of the CJN in the interest of natural justice. However, this action by the CCT has provoked intense controversy.

    “And yet, from a reading of all the facts of the matter, ACF cannot defend the position taken by the Hon. Justice Onnoghen, especially his insistence that he should first be tried by the National Judicial Council (NJC), of which he is Chairman. To do so would have allowed him the seat in judgment over his own case.

    “ACF deeply regrets the conduct of Justice Onnoghen, particularly his refusal to step aside and allow the due process of the law to take its course.

    “He has created the impression that his personal interests in this matter supercede that of the judiciary and the nation.

    “On their part, law enforcement agencies must strive to always execute their tasks in neat and professional manner in order to avoid creating perceptions of partisanship.

    “In the end, Nigeria cannot hope to develop and take its rightful place in the comity of nations unless and until we learn to respect our laws and enforce them fairly and consistently.” He said.

  • ACF to FG: Deploy intelligence to rescue Leah Sharibu, others 

    Following the recently released audio purported to be that of the abducted Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has asked the Federal Government to deploy intelligence to rescue the outstanding Dapchi girl from terrorists’ den.

    ACF in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu in Kaduna on Wednesday said, the released audio if it is authentic has rekindled hope that, Leah Sharibu is alive and will be rescued.

    Read Also:Buhari won’t rest until Leah Sharibu, others are released, says Presidency

    According to the statement, the forum said, “Arewa Consultative Forum (-ACF) has received with grief and hope the audio voice alleged to be that of the Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu still in the captivity of Boko Haram terrorists that abducted the Dapchi girls in February this year.

    “In the alleged audio, Leah is appealing to President Buhari and all Nigerians to come to her rescue from the terrorists. If the audio is truly of Leah, it gives hope that the girl is still alive and may be released someday.

    “Although majority of the kidnapped girls were rescued by the Military and other security agencies one month after their abduction, Leah has not been lucky. Hence the anxiety and concern which the audio has rekindled in the minds of not only the parents but also across the nation.

    “The assurance given by the Federal Government that the Security Agencies are decoding the alleged audio cassette to verify its authenticity is a welcome development and heartening.

    “ACF however, urges the Federal Government to not only fast track the process of verification of the audio, but also utilize its intelligence to trace and rescue Leah and other Chibok girls that have been in the terrorist’s den for the past four years.

    “ACF also appeals to Nigerians to be prayerful and hopeful for the successful rescue of our kidnapped girls and many others in the captivity of Boko Haram terrorists. The situation demands consciously directed efforts from all,” The statement read.

  • ACF to OBJ: You can’t stop Buhari

    ACF to OBJ: You can’t stop Buhari

    Mouthpiece of Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum ( ACF ), has said that, former President Olusegun Obasanjo cannot stop President Muhammadu Buhari from running again in 2019.

    The Northern socio-cultural group said, though, the former President has right to express his opinion like any other Nigerian, the decision lies with Buhari and his party to either contest or not.

    ACF stated this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, reacting to the former President Obasanjo’s call on President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019.

    According to ACF, “The statement credited to former President Obasanjo that President Buhari should not re-run 2019 election, it is his democratic right to express his view like any other Nigerian on all issues including democracy.

    “However, it is President Buhari’s prerogative and that of his party to decide on whether to re-contest or not”, the statement read.

  • Ango Abdullahi, Nyako chair ACF Political, Agric standing committees

    Ango Abdullahi, Nyako chair ACF Political, Agric standing committees

    The apex northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Tuesday inaugurated four standing committees namely, Research, Strategy and planning committee, Political, Education and Agricultural committees.

    The political committee has Professor Ango Abdullahi as Chairman, Arc. Gabriel Aduku Deputy Chairman and Hon. Ado Datti as Secretary, while the Education committee has Professor Iya Abubakar as Chairman, Hon. Mataimaki Tom Maiyashi Deputy Chairman and Ms. Amina Ladan Baki as Secretary.

    The Research, strategy and planning committee has General Haliru Akilu, (rtd) as Chairman, Air Commodore Abubakar Sadiq, (rtd) Deputy Chairman and Alhaji. Babasule Bisalla as Secretary while the Agriculture committee has Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako, (rtd) as Chairman, Prince Joseph Nongo JP Deputy Chairman and Alhassan Muhammad Fawu as Secretary.

    Inaugurating the standing committees members, the Secretary-General of ACF Mr Anthony N. Z Sani noted that the nation is passing through difficult socioeconomic  and political challenges posed by activities of insurgence,  herdsmen, kidnappings,  armed robbery and ritual killings across the nation that include the north.

    He said there is need to rewire the politics,  re-engineer our sense of justice, make mercy smarter and hope more strategic especially for the youth who should be avatar of change and make judicious use of their democratic right and vote only credible leaders who are acceptable.

    “Given the fact that great minds are defined by great challenges because such men and women pursue causes higher than themselves as worthy impulse, you have been chosen as some of the great minds among ACF members to help the platform on how best it can perform some of its tasks and responsibilities needed for making good things to happen and to prevent bad ones from causing havoc in the polity.

    “It is hoped that the political committee will help ACF to promote only issues which most northerners hold dear devoid of partisanship as well as how best to rewire the politics,  re-engineer sense of justice,  make smarter and hope strategic” he stressed.

    Responding on behalf of the inaugurated committees, Senator Usman Kibiya Umar who is also a board member of the forum assured that the various committee members made up of people of integrity will discharge their responsibilities strictly by their specific terms of reference.

  • ACF to IPOB: Pursue your interests within Nigerian laws

    ACF to IPOB: Pursue your interests within Nigerian laws

    ….appeals for caution over southeast clash between army, agitators

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has advised Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other agitators to pursue their interest within the confines of law.

    The forum made the call following an allegedly reported clash between troops of the Nigerian Army conducting operation python dance 11 and members of IPOB in Abia state, while appealing for caution.

    In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, he commended the rapid intervention of the Abia state governor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu for imposing 3 days curfew to douse the tension in the state.  

    While appealing to Nigerians to remain calm, he called on all southeast governors to take necessary step in protecting lives and property in the region.

    The statement reads: “The attention of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has been drawn to the allegedly reported clashes between troops of the Nigerian Army while on Operation Python Dance11 and members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State. ACF commends the prompt intervention of the Abia State Gover nor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu,who has imposed a three day dusk to dawn curfew on Aba town in order to douse the tension and bring the situation under control.

    “With the dusk to dawn curfew in place, the military and other security agencies should ensure that peace and harmony in the areas affected are not only restored but sustained.

    “ACF also commends the efforts of South East Governors Forum for setting up a Probe Committee to investigate the clash in order to unravel its remote causes and to proffer an enduring solution to such problems. Identified perpetrators of the crisis should be made to face the wrath of the law in order to serve as deterrent to others. 

    “In this regard, ACF urges the Governors of the South East and South South regions to take adequate and necessary steps to protect the lives and properties of the innocent and law abiding citizens living in their states.

    “ACF appeals to members of IPOB and other agitators for whatever cause to always pursue their concerns within the confines of the law and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

    “Furthermore, ACF wishes to praise the military for their professionalism in handling the security challenges and calls on the Federal Government to be firm and resolute in bring such situations under control in favor of peaceful coexistence needed for meaningful socioeconomic development. We therefore appeal for calm and urge citizens to appreciate the need to live in peace and harmony,” the statement concluded.

  • Quit Notice: Sheath your sword, Yoruba leaders tell groups  

    Quit Notice: Sheath your sword, Yoruba leaders tell groups  

    Yoruba Traditional Council in the North has called on warring factions on the quit notice ‎by Arewa Youths Coalition on the Igbos to sheath their swords and approach the issue with all sense of maturity and for nation’s interest.

    The group in a statement signed by its chairman, Ambassador Muhammad Arigbabuwo, called on all Nigerians irrespective of their tribe or religion to intensify prayers for the country’s security and the leaders at all times.

    He commended the role played by different organisations in the North to douse the tension that erupted during the face-off the Arewa Youths and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    “We are happy that the two groups have agreed to come to terms over the issue due to the quick intervention of major stakeholders in Nigeria.

    “Rising from a one day meeting in Kaduna last week, the traditional council noted with joy the quick action of ‎all Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers in the North, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Media, Youth Organizations and others.” he added.

    ‎Arigbabuwo, further stated that, “we are particularly happy with the role played by all Nigerians over the issue and we are convinced that the unity of the nation was paramount to everybody and should not be played with.

    “We thanked all security organisations for their proactive action during the face-off, we urge them to continue to serve the country without any bias, because the country will gain a lot if we stand together as one irrespective of tribe of religion.”

    ‎He also appealed to the elder not to relent in their efforts to keep the country together as one indivisible nation.