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Tag: Arewa Consultative Forum

  • ACF at 25: Forum unveils 3-day events to celebrate unity, peace, development

    ACF at 25: Forum unveils 3-day events to celebrate unity, peace, development

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) unveiled activities lined up to commemorate its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, describing the milestone as a significant moment in its long-standing advocacy for unity, peace, and development across Northern Nigeria.

    Addressing journalists in Kaduna, the Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, OFR, Wazirin Dutse, said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s journey, honour its founding fathers, and reaffirm its dedication to building a peaceful and prosperous region.

    Dalhatu noted that since its establishment in 2000, the Forum has spent the past 25 years championing Northern interests, fostering peaceful coexistence, and constructively engaging government on matters of security, governance, and economic advancement. He added that ACF’s interventions have helped shape national discourse and guide communities through challenges ranging from insecurity to social and economic exclusion.

    As part of the celebration, the Forum announced a three-day programme scheduled for November 20–22, designed to converge key stakeholders from government, traditional institutions, the private sector, and civil society nationwide.

    The commemorative events had earlier kicked off with a golf tournament held from November 20 to 22 at the Kaduna Golf Club, chaired by former Senate President, Senator David Mark. Dalhatu said the tournament was included to involve the elite class in the celebration.

    A youth football tournament began on October 31, with the grand finale set for Thursday, November 20, at Ranch Bees Stadium, Kaduna. The final match will be chaired by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, with Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, serving as Special Guest of Honour. Dalhatu explained that the initiative is aimed at engaging young people, discovering talent, and strengthening social cohesion.

    Day One of the main programme will feature two roundtable discussions attracting dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, business leaders, women and youth groups, and socio-cultural organisations such as PANDEF, Afenifere, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    The first roundtable, themed Tourism for Security, will be chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu as Special Guest of Honour. Speakers will include Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede and Minister of Tourism Hannatu Musawa.

    The second session will focus on Elevating the Voices of Women and Youth in the Socioeconomic and Political Transformation of Northern Nigeria, chaired by UN Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Amina Mohammed, with a panel of leading academics, activists, and development experts.

    Day One will also include a mentorship session on agriculture, value addition, manufacturing, and ICT, featuring the Minister of Livestock Development, Engr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Engr. Jelani Aliyu, and NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

    Additionally, a three-day medical outreach by the General T.Y. Buratai Humanity Care Foundation and the Tuku & Tukur Foundation will run from November 21 to 23, offering free consultations, eye screenings, ENT services, and health education.

    Day Two, slated for Friday, November 21, will showcase state-level talent exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting Northern Nigeria’s diversity.

    Read Also: Ex-SDP flagbearer tasks ACF to help rebuild national unity

    The highlight of the day will be a Dinner and Award Night chaired by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with Vice President Kashim Shettima as Special Guest of Honour and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas as Guest of Honour. Awards to be presented include the Arewa Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished Service Award, and the Arewa Prize for Excellence.

    Day Three will feature the plenary session and the launch of the ACF endowment fund, chaired by former Vice President Namadi Sambo. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour, while industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote will deliver the keynote address.

     Other leading business figures, including Abdulsamad Rabiu, Muhammad Indimi, Dahiru Mangal, Bukola Saraki, and Sayyu Dantata, will serve as launchers and co-launchers.

    All events will take place at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.

    Dalhatu said the anniversary is aimed not only at reflecting on past achievements but also at shaping the future of ACF’s contributions to Northern Nigeria.

    He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to its founding ideals and expressed hope that the celebrations would help renew conversations on the region’s future and Nigeria’s collective progress.

  • ACF warns against splinter groups, insists on neutrality ahead of 2027 polls

    ACF warns against splinter groups, insists on neutrality ahead of 2027 polls

    … backs Dangote Refinery

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned against the rising proliferation of northern groups with similar objectives, warning that such parallel formations threaten the unity and collective strength of the North.

    Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, gave the warning during the Forum’s BOT meeting on Tuesday in Kaduna, which also had state chairmen, secretaries, and members of the Arewa100% Focus group in attendance.

    Dalhatu said the forum was compelled to invite all state chapters to discuss two urgent matters, the need for a unified communication protocol among officials, and preparations for the ACF Silver Jubilee scheduled for November.

    He lamented that contradictory statements by some national and state officials had caused confusion and threatened the Forum’s image, stressing that the BOT had both the obligation and authority to determine and enforce communication policies. “No doubt, the ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs,” he stated.

    Speaking on the upcoming Silver Jubilee, Dalhatu said the November 20–22 celebration in Kaduna would feature the launch of an endowment fund, books presentation, and fundraising for a befitting national headquarters that reflects the Forum’s history, culture, and aspirations.

    He expressed appreciation to members of the organising committees and called on all ACF members to turn out en masse to celebrate the milestone, describing it as an opportunity to reposition the forum for greater relevance in northern and national affairs.

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    On politics, the ACF BOT chairman reminded members that the Forum remains a socio-cultural and non-partisan organisation. “Although members may belong to political parties of their choice, as an organisation, ACF is politically neutral and will not support one party over another,” he said, urging officials to maintain neutrality ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Dalhatu also cautioned against the “unhealthy proliferation” of northern associations with objectives similar to the ACF, recalling that in 2000, northern leaders, including former presidents, governors, traditional rulers, and intelligentsia—merged several groups to form a united Arewa Consultative Forum.

    “In deference to the memory of these elder statesmen, northerners thinking of creating parallel or splinter groups should rethink their actions and come back within the ACF. There is enough room in the Forum to accommodate all northerners,” he urged.

    He further directed state chapters to intensify membership drives and establish local government branches to strengthen grassroots presence and unity.

    While commending security forces for their sacrifices against insurgency and banditry, Dalhatu prayed for the repose of fallen soldiers and urged continuous strategy reviews to minimize casualties.

    The ACF BOT chairman also condemned alleged sabotage attempts against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing them as “unpatriotic and unacceptable.” He said those behind the disruptions were working against Nigeria’s economic progress and urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to protect the national asset.

    Dalhatu concluded by thanking ACF members who attended the meeting both physically and virtually for their sacrifice and commitment to the organization’s ideals.

  • ACF seeks collaboration to tackle national challenges

    ACF seeks collaboration to tackle national challenges

    The Kano State chapter of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for collaboration amng all stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.

    In his Independence anniversary speech, the chapter’s Chairman, Goni Faruk Umar, said the challenges before the country were formidable, including pervasive poverty.

    Umar identified the challenges as pervasive poverty, widespread unemployment, insecurity, drug abuse, declining education standards, and the erosion of moral values.

    But the ACF state chairman noted that the challenges could be surmounted with the citizens showing commitment to purposeful action.

    He said: “As a forum consecrated to dialogue, unity, and service, the ACF asserts that our collective strength lies in our ability to build bridges across divides, nurture the potentials of our youth, and harness the abundant human and natural resources entrusted to us by Providence.

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    “Sixty-five years ago, our visionary founding fathers, through uncommon courage and sacrifice, secured for us the priceless gift of sovereignty. They bequeathed a nation consecrated to the ideals of liberty, dignity, and collective destiny.

    “Today, as we commemorate their triumph, we must not merely luxuriate in nostalgia but renew our sacred covenant to safeguard their legacy and bequeath to posterity a Nigeria worthy of their dreams.

    “The narrative of our nation is one of resilience and renaissance; a people who, despite trials of adversity and the tremors of division, have remained indivisible and resolute.

    “Yet, independence will find its truest expression not in ceremonial remembrance but in the tangible realities of peace, prosperity, equity, and justice for every citizen, irrespective of creed, culture, or circumstance.”

    Umar advised parents and guardians to prioritise the upbringing of their children and wards, stressing that the crucible of Nigeria’s future is in their homes.

    “Guard your children, mentor them with love, and instill in them the virtues of discipline, honesty, and service. To our youth, we affirm: you are the pulsating heart of this Republic. Reject the snares of drugs and despair; embrace the path of knowledge, creativity, and productivity.

    “And to our leaders, we appeal: let integrity, vision, and statesmanship govern your stewardship, for history will measure us not by lofty rhetoric but by the lives we uplift and the destinies we transform.

    “The ACF Kano State chapter remains unwavering in its resolve to empower communities, advance education, preserve our cultural heritage, and safeguard the peace and security of our people. We shall continue to be a voice of conscience, a pillar of unity, and a beacon of hope.

    “As we hoist our cherished green-white-green standard this day, let it be a solemn reminder that independence is not an end but an eternal journey of vigilance, sacrifice, and renewal,” Umar said.

  • 2027: Why coalition against APC may not succeed, by ex-ACF scribe

    2027: Why coalition against APC may not succeed, by ex-ACF scribe

    A former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, has described the current coalition efforts against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections as weak and lacking a solid foundation.

    Speaking with The Nation, Sani said while a coalition could serve as a viable political alternative, those spearheading the present movement appear to be on a path to failure. 

    According to him, their efforts are not anchored on any credible or established political platform.

    He said, “While I agree that democracy without viable opposition is a sham, I have no faith in how the opposition is organizing themselves for performance.

    “A coalition would be a viable alternative platform only if it is effected at level of political parties which should come together and merge into one political party reminiscent of the emergence of APC whereby political parties and factions of political parties came together and formed APC which was strong enough to unseat incumbent government.

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    “What is more, Mohammadu Buhari brought his vast electoral value that come with charisma and mass appeal to serve as rally point. In the current attempt, the efforts are at individual level without political parties.

    “In the history of multiparty democracy in Nigeria, mere party alliances have never come near to winning any elections let alone individual alliances. What is more, in the current arrangement there is no rallying point like Buhari.

    “I therefore do not see any sturdy traction by the current coalition unless they change the strategy.”

  • ACF to politicians: Face governance, it’s too early to campaign for 2027

    ACF to politicians: Face governance, it’s too early to campaign for 2027

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has told politicians who are already campaigning for the 2027 general elections to stop, saying it is too early, considering the ranging hunger and socioeconomic hardship in the country that are not yet addressed.

    In his remarks at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at its headquarters in Kaduna on Thursday, the ACF chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman SAN urged political leaders to address the needs of the people ahead of the next general elections rather than to be too committed to an election campaign whose time has not come.

    According to the ACF Chairman, “Individual utterances and media exposés relating to the upcoming 2027 elections are already hitting the airwaves. This momentum, in my humble view, should take the back burner while emphasis should be earnestly placed on governance that will truly address the biting needs of our people who are daily subjected to sufferings as a result of brigandage, terrorism, kidnapping, mass murders, hunger, and diseases.

    “While genuine desires to serve are welcome, concerted efforts that prioritize the safety and well-being of Nigerians should be uppermost in the minds of our leaders. Notwithstanding our political allegiance to individual politicians, groups, or ideologies.

    “I humbly urge that we, as ACF, should in practical terms manifest and espouse ourselves as beacons of hope for our people by altruistically, openly and courageously preaching truth to power in the manner done by the late Martin Luther King Jr., Indira Gandhi and Nelson Mandela”. Osuman said.

    ACF also expressed bitterness over recent killings in some parts of Northern region, saying, “Only recently, we were rudely astounded with the sad news of the resurgence of the debilitating terror attacks and loss of lives and property in Bokkos – Plateau State, the gruesome assassination of northerners in Uromi, Edo State and the resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno State. The resurgence of these monstrous, blood-thirsty psychopaths is an issue of grave concern to us all in ACF.

    “Only a few days ago, I watched the Governors of both Plateau and Borno States on Television lament about the phenomenal harm occasioned on their citizens. While the cruel, murderous attacks on the Bokkos peasant farmers and peace-loving petty traders are said to be undergoing investigations, the recent resumption of Boko Haram merchants of evil on families in the North East lacks a conceivable explanation, bearing in mind the federal government’s assurance of the region’s return to normalcy.

    “ACF’s pain and concern are aggravating as it derives from our knowledge of the recent horrendous flood that destroyed lives and property in Maiduguri town and its environs.

    “It is my hope that ACF’s recently constituted Security Committee will, before long, assist ACF in appreciating the raison d’être of the variant criminal attacks on our region. These insecurities have substantially interfered with the peaceful coexistence of our people. Farm lands are evacuated, schools are closed, petty trading is discontinued, and livelihood is impaired. The ugly situations have been accentuated by recession, high cost of living, poor health care, and the high cost of transportation.

    Read Also: ACF writes National Assembly on tax reforms

    The Forum equally expressed worry about the land dispute between Kogi State and Enugu State and called on the chairman of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), the Vice President, Shettima, to direct the Commission to complete its assignments by erecting appropriate pillars demarcating the exact State Boundary between Enugu and Kogi

    “The Ette Community is an integral part of the North. It is in Kogi State, peopled by highly educated, skilled, and peace-loving people. The determination by Enugu State to illegally grab a portion of Ette land where rich mineral deposits abound has, for years, been resisted by our Ette brothers and sisters.

    “Notwithstanding the favourable official records in favour of the fact that the contested borderline land belongs to the Ette Community, Enugu State has not only attacked, conflagrated and killed our people on the land but has sustained inordinate pressure towards annexing the land.

    “ACF is reaching out to the Director General (DG) National Boundary Commission and the Director in charge of inter-State Boundaries of the commission to expedite action on erecting appropriate pillars to demarcate the boundary of the two States”, the ACF Chairman said.

  • North’s leaders to blame for region’s woes, says ACF

    North’s leaders to blame for region’s woes, says ACF

    Leaders in the North are responsible for the woes of the region, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said yesterday.

    According to the region’s socio-political organization, Northern elite, and not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should be blamed for the poor socio-economic condition and underdevelopment of the region.

    ACF Chairman Mamman Mike Osuman emphasised that although some policies of the current administration are unacceptable to the region, President Tinubu is not responsible for its problems.

    In more than two decades, North’s three geo-political zones – Northwest, Northcentral and Northeast – have been battling with insecurity, banditry and socio-economic challenges, including poverty, mass unemployment and infrastructural deficits.

    The ACF leader said its newly established ‘ACF Radio’ would be used to sensitise the people of the region to the damage done by these vices and mobilise the people for problem-solving.

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    Osunma, who spoke during the ACF National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, chided north’s leaders for not finding solutions to these challenges from within.

    He said ACF had welcomed the setting up of the League of Northern Democrats, led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, urging the group to let charity begin at home.

    Lamenting that these problems have persisted, he charged the leading lights to proffer solutions.

    Osuman said: “I do admit that some policies of the current administration are repugnant and adverse to our interests as a region. ACF believes that certain policies and behaviours of our own leaders within our region need some critical evaluation

    “It is in that vein that I raise the following questions: to what extent are our elected leaders demonstrating prudence and concern for our domestic and environmental problems?

     “To what extent are our governors and legislators synergising with our traditional leaders in combating ills that exist within our region?

    “To the extent that some of our sons, daughters, sisters and brothers are sometimes criminals who participate in the disquiet, ills and crimes that torment us in our region, what are we leaders of thought and stakeholders doing towards arresting the evil trend and propensities.?

    “Have our parents, religious teachers and the elite initiated an orientation and public awareness that will educate our people on the need for self- defence and self-preservation?

    “Illegal minings by foreigners aided by our own people exist in some states. What local strategies are on ground towards arresting this vice?

    Osuman added: “It is not in doubt that the North is currently under siege. Our dear region is not only being viciously attacked by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, but by sinister devises like disproportionate considerations and inequitable treatments.”

    The ACF chairman urged the new association to team up with ACF in resolving the challenges.

    He said: “Not long ago, I received an invitation from a new body called League of Northern Democrats. Attached to the invitation were seven pages wherein were listed 260 names, most of whom were former governors, senators and known great sons and daughters from the North. I have read the objectives of the League of Northern Democrats.

    “I commend the conveners of the meeting. I respect and appreciate their objectives, which I must say are not a deviation from that of ACF.

    “Their cause is worthy. My view is that while they tinker with the overall political issues that threaten our survival in our region, this still remains an auspicious time to look inwards.”

    Osuman added: “To avoid being misunderstood, the progenitors of this brilliant concept should organise symposia where current travails that depress and make lives unbearable in our region, stultifying education and economic growth.

    “I have taken pains to bear my mind here because I, as ACF Chairman was invited and within the 260 listed members, are a few names of ACF members. Should their ultimate focus be for 2027, I humbly and respectfully recommend that their well thought out charities should begin now, and at home.”

    The ACF chairman reiterated its determination to contribute ideas in the regional search for respite from mounting challenges.

    Osuman said: “The newly regenerated and rejuvenated ACF is resolved to serve our down-trodden brothers, sisters and parents who currently are on the receiving ends of evil men and women classified as bandits and murderers. We are also determined to ensure that they are respected and served.

    “To that end, ACF must be their voice and the source of their confidence. It is in this vein that ACF has expanded its infrastructure to include an ACF Radio. We will through our ACF Radio constantly communicate not only our people, but also speak to prospective benefactors and governments.

    “Since my investiture as chairman of ACF on December 12, 2023, my colleagues and I in ACF have witnessed a phenomenal growth in the quality and in its new number of distinguished sons and daughters from the North.”

  • ACF worried over rising inflation, banditry, unemployment, falling living standard, others

    ACF worried over rising inflation, banditry, unemployment, falling living standard, others

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday alerted the nation to a looming social chaos in the country.

    The political and cultural association of northern leaders said citizens have continued to face runaway inflation, unemployment, deteriorating standard of living, insurgency, terrorism, and banditry.

    Rising from its well-attended NEC meeting, which was held in Kaduna and presided over by its Chairman, Mike Mamman Osman (SAN), the ACF said hardship has increased among the citizens.

    A communiqué issued at the end of the NEC meeting and read by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, states: “The National Executive Committee of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) rose from a well-attended meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, preceded by a meeting of the organisations National Working Committee (NWC), which earlier held on Monday, May 20, 2024.

    “The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of ACF’s activities, programmes, projects, finances, state chapters of ACF and miscellaneous related issues as well as take a general look at the state of the nation and polity…

    “On the national front, and specifically applicable to the Northern states, NEC notes that the times continue to be tough and challenging for the average citizen who is daily confronted with runaway inflation, unemployment, rapid deterioration in standards of living, all in the face of incidents of insurgency, terrorism and banditry, etc. These problems have remained dire, acute (or even chronic in some places) in the North in particular.

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    “The immediate causes of the problems have been policies put in place by government over the past months, including but not confined to removal of subsidies from the prices of petroleum products, floating of the Naira, and astronomical hike in the cost of poorly supplied electricity, increasing tariffs and taxes against the seemingly insensitive profligacy in spendings by public officials, to list a few.

    “NEC acknowledges the efforts of the Federal, state and, to a little extent, local governments have been making to tackle the problems identified above. However, overall, it is undeniable, perhaps due to the quantum and widening dimension of the problems, that public policy response to the problems remains weak and ineffective at best.

    “NEC noted with grave concern, regrets and decries the continuing, the deterioration or escalation in the spate of insecurity-related incidents in all three geo-political zones under which the northern states are grouped. These problems reflect on the regions cascading political, social, economic challenges.

    “NEC reiterates ACFs earlier expressed position that the emergent protracted dimensions of these problems, if untamed, are harbingers of citizens discontent, social chaos.

    “Equally worrisome to NEC is the widening regional disparities in social demographic factors, such as access to education, health public, infrastructure, economic inclusion, political participation, living conditions, etc.”

  • Ningi: what irks ACF?

    Ningi: what irks ACF?

    What irks the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on the fate of Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who just earned a three-month suspension for making claims on BBC Hausa Service he couldn’t back, with facts and figures in plenary, when the chips were down?

    That he had a democratic — nay, parliamentary — right to making false claims, just because he’s an elected senator from the “North”?

    That any senator from the “South”, claiming similar parliamentary — or is it regional diktat now? — could in future run his mouth over things he couldn’t defend and “northern” senators would suffer gladly his foolery, because he pops up his “southern” solidarity flag?

    What’s all that ACF veiled threat about: of Ningi’s legal options to challenge and roll back his suspension?  Is the judicial system a captive to anyone or any interest?  Isn’t the blind-folded Lady of Justice guided only by facts, figures and logic?

    In a federal set-up — particularly in a struggling federation like Nigeria’s in which every segment tries to game the other if it can — regional lobbies are not illegitimate, since they look after the interests of their own. 

    The snag, however, comes with legitimate lobbies backing illegitimate strivings: as ACF is trying to, with Senator Ningi, who used his position as former chair of the Northern Senators Forum, to levy frivolous anti-North budgetary charges against the Senate and the Federal Government.

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    Would the “North” have accepted such conduct from the “South”, were things to be flipped; and tolerated a southern lobby making empty excuses, instead of flaying what is bad and unacceptable as just that?

    Really, there must be a limit to the use of North or South as bogey for political expediencies.  Very early in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, the Zamfara Governor, Sani Yerima, floated political Shari’ah, which swept through the North as some end time message.  But it petered out after fulfilling its nuisance value.

    Another northern Governor, Ahmed Makarfi — of Kaduna — did his state (and the rest of Nigeria) a world of good when he somewhat figured out and stopped the periodic blood-letting in southerner-northerner clashes, in the North’s grand political capital.  Since his exit, such killings have stopped.  Today, every Nigerian living in Kaduna must remember him with fondness, for that sole act.

    Why?  Even Obasanjo, who political Shari’ah was supposed to checkmate, won a controversial second term and was even dreaming bad dreams about an illegal third — until his constitution-amendment rascality blew up in his face.  It’s all in his ugly past record now, no matter how hard he tries to deny it.

    No region worth its name and dignity would send a partisan to go misbehave.  When such do — North or South — don’t go offering them sentimental but empty support. 

    ACF, let Ningi carry his can.  He had a chance, in the open, to defend himself. He failed.

  • Sustained onslaught against bandits is way out, not state of emergency – ACF

    Meanwhile, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said continuous onslaught against the bandits is the way out, and not declaration of state of emergency.

    ACF said, declaration of state of emergency in such troubled states in the past did not yield desired results.

    National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, in an exclusive interview with Saturday Nation argued that, whether or not state of emergency is imposed, is not as important as maintaining a sustained onslaught against the criminals.

    According to him, “We have always made our position known on this issue. For those, calling for state of emergency, we don’t think that is the solution.

    “If you recall, state of emergency was last imposed during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. But the question is, did it provide the desired result? No, it did not.

    “So, we suggest that, the Federal Government should deal with the situation the way it dealt with similar ones in Benue, Plateau and others.

    “Like we have also said in our previous press releases, the government should equip the security forces to be able to face the challenges squarely.

    “The Federal Government should also recruit more security personnel. Presently, we have many police personnel attached to politicians. This will make the security to sustain the onslaught against the criminals,” Biu said.

  • ANTHONY SANI: How to avoid 2015 NASS rebellion

    Chief Anthony N. Z. Sani is the Secretary-General of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). In this interview with Abdulgafar Alabelewe, he speaks on how APC should intervene in the tussle for leadership positions in the National Assembly to avoid rebellion that will allow the opposition take over. He also bares his mind on why killings have become rampant across the country among other national issues. Excerpts

    WHAT is your take on the growing tussle for National Assembly leadership?

    The growing tussle for National Assembly leadership is to be expected because it is natural concomitant of multiparty democracy. What seems disagreeable is the idea of the opposition party, PDP, wanting to assume the leadership of the National Assembly in blithe disregard for the fact that it is undemocratic, if not morally preposterous, for the minority to seek to lord it over majority in a democracy which is majority rule.

    It looks as if Nigerian politicians are not aware of the import of multiparty democracy, to wit, that the electoral mandate has been given to APC which is expected to produce the leadership of the National Assembly by virtue of the truth that APC has majority in the National Assembly and should prevail. That is why it is called APC-controlled government that is accountable to the people.

    The opposition party, PDP, is expected to provide viable opposition as alternative platform, and not to seek to share the government with APC which has clear mandate to deliver on its electoral mandate. The opposition cannot eat its bread and have it at the same time. And given the fact that democracy without viable opposition is a sham, I suggest the opposition should stay clear of the tussle for leadership of the National Assembly, which is an exclusive preserve for the political party that has the majority.

    What should be done to avoid the 2015 leadership coup?

    In order to avoid a situation reminiscent of what happened in 2015, the party with the majority must stay united and assert its majority status. And in doing so, the party with majority should use justice and fairness to enforce party discipline needed for keeping the opposition at bay. One way of doing this is for the zoning of the leadership positions to take into account all factors of competence, content of character, experiences, federal character, rewards and inclusiveness so that members of the legislature would see how justice and equity have been done. This will reduce the tendency of some APC legislators to rebel and encourage the opposition to join the fray.

    For example, if North-central zone has been zoned out of the race for Senate President on account of having occupied the position for the past 12 years, then it should be given Speakership, which the zone has never enjoyed, more so as North-central zone has lost only one state to the opposition by doing creditably well in the recent elections. And if North-west has the President, South-west has the Vice President, North-east has the Senate President, it is only fair that North-central be zoned the position of Speaker while, South-west can make do with the Deputy Speaker, considering the zone has had two Speakers of the House of Representatives in the past. South-east or South-south can take Deputy Senate President. That way, the party with majority would be able to act as a united whole in order to deliver on its electoral mandate.

    National Christian Elders recently faulted CAN for congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari over his re-election because Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has gone to court. What is the implication of this on Nigeria’s polity and unity of the nation?

    When I read the statement credited to the National Christian Elders Forum which criticized Christian Association of Nigeria for congratulating the winner of the recent elections, considering the winner has been challenged in the election tribunal, I could not see the wisdom in their concerns. This is because INEC conducted the elections and has declared the winner. And that is why the winners will be inaugurated on 29th May, 2019 amid challenges in the court. And unless the court declares otherwise, the president has legally been elected and must be recognized as such; to do otherwise reeks of lawlessness.

    I also do not share the view by the National Christian Elders Forum that the government under the watch of President Buhari is complicit in the killings of Christians in Nigeria, considering the killings in Zamfara State and Birnin-Gwari of Kaduna State are internecine where Fulani Muslims take it out on each other.

    I still believe there is swarm of locust in the land, but we do not seem to know the pests. Hence the inability to come up with appropriate pesticides. It is therefore unthinking of any group to give ethnic and religious coloration to our collective challenges.

    What is your advice for President in his second term? What will you want him to do differently?

    I expect the president will be more vigorous in execution of his campaign promises for which Nigerians have given him electoral mandate to implement. To me, Nigerians have passed vote of confidence on the president to consolidate on what he has done during his first tenure. What I would want the president to do differently is to reward those who performed and sack those who failed to perform. To retain appointees on the basis of loyalty at the expense of performance may not be good enough.

    For example, if there is credible evidence of reckless performance on the part of any appointee, he should be replaced as deterrent. That way, public officers will sit up and deliver on the promise of their appointment.

    Since after election, killings and kidnapping have increased around the country. What is responsible for these and how do we get out of it?

    There are many factors that may account for the killings across the country and they differ from geopolitical zone to zone. For example, those due to clashes between farmers and herds which may have to do with paucity of grazing and farming lands as a result of increase in population and desert encroachment may not be the same with those caused by bandits. Still, those by kidnappings are different from those caused by cattle rustling and armed robbery or cultism.

    To overcome these security challenges would require the government to identify and confront the underlying causes.

    And for me, I think the insecurity is stoked by poverty which comes with unemployment across the land. There seems to be a vicious cycle now that farmers cannot farm due to banditry, which brings about more hunger and unemployment that result in poverty and thus create more insecurity.

    Government and our leaders at all levels should come to terms with the reality that the nation is at war with itself and should confront the war with unity of purpose and with all available means at their disposal.

    These would require more trained security personnel with adequate equipment needed to confront and overwhelm the criminals. And as they do so, consciously directed efforts must be applied in identifying and overwhelming the underlying causes of the insecurity.

    To give ethnic and religious coloration to these challenges is unhelpful because such attitudes unwittingly provide platforms for criminals to stand and commit more crimes because they know the authority cannot prosecute religion and ethnic nationality.

    Some people are advocating for sack of security chiefs, will that help?

    I am not a security expert who can provide informed suggestions on such issue, but I think the president has what it takes to know the challenges which the service chiefs face by way of training for the personnel and the need for arms. He is expected to know the performing service chiefs and those who are not performing as well as why those who do not perform fail to perform. He is there better placed to make such decisions. This is because he is not only the Commander-in- Chief but also a security expert in his own right. So, let us trust that Mr. President has noted the unsavory security challenges and the cries across the country. As a result, he is doing all within his ability and capacity to bring the killings to an end in the shortest possible time.

    Aliko Dangote recently blamed northern governors for poverty in the region, do you agree with him?

    I have no reason to doubt Dangote, since governors are given monthly subventions which they are expected to use and reduce the poverty in their respective states. They complain that the resources are not enough, but they are expected to know that money is a number and numbers never end. And if they cannot increase their subventions, they are expected to increase the yields of such subventions.

    What is your advice to the governors in this direction?

    Our governors should know that we operate the federal system and that their place in the order of things in their states is to cater for the welfare of the people with whatever amount that is at their disposal. This is because the federal government does not dictate to the state governors how to manage their resources. It is left for the governors to increase the yields of the resources at their disposal by impelling progress through multiplication of their strength through others. If they fail to deliver on the promise of their mandate, people should blame them for non-performance.