Arewa Distances Self From Nationwide Protest, Gives Reason

The leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest over the present economic hardship in the country.

The group described the planned protest as ill-timed, not purpose-driven, and counterproductive.

The National Chairman of the forum, Mamman Osuman, made the declaration after a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

The ACF said they have taken a consensus decision on the nationwide protest, and decided that it is not in the interest of the North and the entire country.

The ACF, therefore, called on the people of the North not to participate in the protest.

They also expressed concern over the multidimensional poverty and violent crimes ravaging the Northern region, which have retarded development in the region.

It, however, commended Governor Sani for his innovative policies of rural development and social reconciliation, which it believed have the potential to greatly mitigate the endemic insecurity and poverty in the North

“As 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. We cannot wait to celebrate the positive outcomes of these visionary policies.

“Our rural areas stand in great need of attention and transformation, given the growing scourge of multidimensional poverty and violent crimes ravaging the North. Dedicated 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,” the group said.