Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has called for a united approach in tackling the multifaceted challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the ACF, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, made the call at an extraordinary meeting with northern leaders yesterday in Kaduna.
Dalhatu, who expressed gratitude to the attendees, clarified the meeting’s non-partisan nature and acknowledged collective failure in tackling the region’s crises.
He also underscored the forum’s commitment to revitalise its role amidst Northern Nigeria’s escalating crises.
Dalhatu noted the gravity of the region’s situation, emphasizing that the meeting was designed to be special and serious, focusing beyond routine discussions.
“This meeting is not a platform for political blames, but a sincere effort to confront the collective failure in safeguarding the region”, he said.
He highlighted ACF’s goal to reinvigorate its purpose as envisioned by its founders and to develop strategies for addressing Northern Nigeria’s pressing issues.
He said key concerns to be discussed include: waning interest in the ACF, proliferation of competing groups and the organisation’s diminished impact due to religious, ethnic and political divisions.
Dalhatu noted the urgent need to tackle these issues in order to restore ACF’s influence and effectiveness.
“This meeting will address the broader challenges such as insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation and corruption.
“We call for immediate action to combat these problems and emphasize the need for a robust response to potential constitutional reviews and federal policies that might affect the north adversely”, Dalhatu said.
He also reaffirmed ACF’s commitment to promote unity and address the north’s challenges, while remaining pro-North rather than pro-government or anti-government.
He also called for continued engagement and proactive measures to safeguard and advance the interest of Northern Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the meeting was attended by several former governors, including Ibrahim Shekarau, Tanko Almakura, Abdullahi Adamu and retired General Halilu Akilu.
Others are former Governors, Kabiru Gaya (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Adamu Muazu (Bauchi), as well as Yayale Ahmed and Babachir Lawal both former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, among others. NAN
