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Tag: Arewa Think Tank (ATT)

  • Arewa Think Tank hails NSA over arrest of Mahmuda terrorist group leader 

    Arewa Think Tank hails NSA over arrest of Mahmuda terrorist group leader 

    The Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has hailed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu over the arrest of Mahmuda terrorists who have been terrorizing the people of Borgu in Niger State, saying it was an enormous achievement in recent times.

    A terrorist group leader, known as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, a self-styled “Emir of Ansaru,” and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, have been tormenting the people of Borgu, in Niger State through Kebbi State and Kwara State.

    A statement by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu noted that Ribadu’s collaboration with 

    armed forces and intelligence agencies has paid off to deliver one of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism successes.

    “National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu deserves our praises and enormous credit for the quiet, deliberate, intelligence-driven operation that led to this recent victory.

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    “This success shows that the NSA worked with our armed forces and intelligence agencies to deliver one of Nigeria’s most consequential counter-terrorism successes. In a situation where victories against terror appears unsurmountable, this achievement stands out.

    “For Ribadu and his team to have now captured these men is profoundly reassuring. And for the people of Borgu, who have lived under the shadow of this threat for months, there is reason to jubilate over the victory and commend the government for not giving up the fight against terrorism.

    “We believe that there are still remnants of these bloodthirsty characters around the community, and therefore, there is the need for sustained security, effort, vigilance, and justice to eliminate this group completely.

    “However, it gladden our hearts to acknowledge this decisive defeat against those who have been preying on innocent lives. So we join several other people in saluting this victory and we hope that it marks the beginning of more victory to come against terrorism and other security challenges.

    “Their arrest has indeed dismantled the network of another dangerous group that has link with Mahmuda who are notorious for constant kidnappings, attacks, and terror campaigns across northern Nigeria. We shall continue to express gratitude to the NSA for his commitment to rid the entire country of security challenges”, the statement said.

  • 2027: North is not divided against Tinubu, Arewa Think Tank tells critics

    2027: North is not divided against Tinubu, Arewa Think Tank tells critics

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has dismissed claims by critics suggesting that the North is divided against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. 

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chief Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, stated that the northern region remains firmly united in support of Tinubu’s second-term bid. He emphasized that, in the group’s view, there is “no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031.” 

    Yakubu reiterated that the North stands solidly behind the President, rejecting any speculation of division within the region regarding Tinubu’s leadership.

    “If Northern people are divided against President Tinubu, they are doing so at their own peril because their own son was in power for eight years without any meaningful impact in the region. So how wise is it to displace the leader who is walking the talk and giving them hope for a better tomorrow?

    “We want to agree with the Secretary General of Arewa Consultative Forum ACF that the Forum is non-partisan and does not involve itself in promoting or antagonizing any candidate for the presidential race.

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    “It is our position also that the North is not divided, it’s Tinubu till 2031 because the North is always the political stabiliser of Nigeria.

    “Why would anyone start to think of power grabbing barely one year and some months into Tinubu’s tenure when the President is boldly sacrificing his political popularity to rescue the country from economic bankruptcy, which many before him could not achieve?

    “Our able President Tinubu GCFR is really sacrificing his popularity to help our Nation from collapsing, he has refused to divide and share the style of leadership, he has chosen to revamp our economy and rebuild our industries, Agencies, and even our international reputation.

    “Recently, there have been growing concerns about opposition forces and desperate politicians from various regions, including the North, who are determined to undermine the current administration before the 2027 elections. But it is obvious these factions, within and outside the ruling party, are driven by personal agenda rather than genuine concerns for national progress.

    “Arewa Think Tank recognizes that the Northern region remains steadfast in its commitment to the nation’s stability and progress. In this wise, we can bet you that this commitment extends to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    “The current members of the opposition, which include some who feel excluded from the corridors of power, are leveraging their positions to destabilize the government. Their efforts are less about advancing Northern interests and more about addressing their grievances and failures.

    “It is a known fact the Tinubu administration is undertaking significant reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s ailing systems. These reforms, though challenging and sometimes unpopular, are designed to address deep-rooted issues and set a foundation for sustainable growth. Real change requires making tough choices that may cause short-term discomfort but are crucial for long-term improvement.

    “While the immediate effects of these reforms might be harsh, it is essential to understand that such measures are often necessary to correct systemic problems. The Tinubu government, despite facing criticism, is working with a vision to steer Nigeria towards a more functional and prosperous future.

    “Recognizing the need for sacrifices and understanding the rationale behind hard decisions can provide a more balanced view of the administration’s efforts and intentions,” the statement read.