*Mamman Osuman, National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, an interest group in Northern Nigeria, describes the planned demonstration as ill-timed, not purpose-driven, and counterproductive, asserting it is not in good interest of the North in particular, and the entire West African country in general

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Against the backdrop of the planned nationwide in Nigeria, the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has distanced itself from the protest over the current economic hardship in the country.

The ACF has described the planned demonstration as 鈥渋ll-timed, not purpose-driven, and counterproductive鈥�, if allowed to hold in the West African country.

The Arewa Consultative Forum is a political and cultural association of leaders in Northern Nigeria formed, in 2000, which has considerable influence in the political scene.

Arewa means “Northern” in Hausa, the primary language of the region.

Mamman Osuman, National Chairman of Forum, stated this after a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria.

It was learnt Osuman clarified that the ACF has taken a consensus decision on the nationwide protest, which he noted is not for the good interest of the North in particular, and the entire country in general.

The ACF, therefore, urged the people of the North not to participate in the protest planned to begin August 1, 2024.

The Forum equally also expressed concern over what is described as the multidimensional poverty and violent crimes ravaging the Northern part of the country, which the National Chairman noted have hindered the advancement of the region.

Osuman commended Governor Sani for his innovative policies of rural development and social reconciliation, which the former noted have the potential to greatly mitigate the endemic insecurity and poverty in the North.

鈥淎s a matter of fact, we have long sought such an opportunity to express our profound appreciation and support for the innovative policies of rural development and social reconciliation, which Your Excellency committed yourself to do in Kaduna State.

鈥淲e cannot wait to celebrate the positive outcomes of these visionary policies,鈥� he averred.

The ACF Chief further stated: 鈥淥ur rural areas stand in great need of attention and transformation, given the growing scourge of multidimensional poverty and violent crimes ravaging the North.

鈥淒edicated and well-funded rural development programmes, such as yours have the potential to greatly mitigate the endemic insecurity and banditry going on across the country.鈥�

ACF committed to articulating, defending interests of Northerners, says Osuman

Osuman also recalled that 鈥渋n their wisdom, Northern leaders, including state governors, Emirs and Chiefs and other Elders, decided to establish the ACF back in the year 2000. It was against the background of a similar crisis of widespread insecurity and strife.

鈥淭he intention was to bring together on one platform, representatives of the diverse peoples of Northern Nigeria without regard to political, ethnic or religious affiliation. ACF is to operate as a 鈥楥itizens 鈥榦r Elders 鈥楥ouncil and keep its eyes and ears open.

鈥淚t is to look out for issues and developments that can potentially lead to disharmony, conflicts or crises across the North and promote development. At the lower levels, our state chapters operate with the same template.鈥�

The National Chairman said: 鈥淲e at ACF remain committed to articulating and defending the interests of the peoples of the North through our various activities.

鈥淥ne of such was the recently constituted Technical Committee that reviewed the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by the ACF.

鈥淭he report of the Technical Committee formed the basis of ACF鈥檚 submission to the joint committees of the National Assembly on Constitution review. Our input will be formally made available to the Northern Governors鈥� Forum.鈥�

Tinubu giving 鈥榰ncommon support鈥� to state governments in North: Gov Sani

Speaking during the visit to his office in Kaduna, Governor Sani was quoted to have urged the citizens of the state to refrain from participating in any protest against the government, stating that the organisers of the protest do not mean well for the country.

Governor Sani also absolved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of working against the North as alleged in some quarters in the country.

He averred: 鈥淭he government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been giving uncommon support to state governments in the North to address their myriad challenges.

鈥淭he narrative that President Tinubu is against the North is false, absurd and unbecoming. It is the handiwork of elements who are experts at political manipulation. They are only interested in feathering their political nests, not the development of Northern Nigeria.

鈥淭he Arewa Consultative Forum must beware of such elements. Their antics and manipulations are chiefly responsible for the relegation of the North to the economic and political backwaters.鈥�

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