ACF backs constitution review, seeks end to insecurity
Kunle Sanni
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has dismissed claims that the North is opposed to constitutional review and restructuring, expressing its willingness to consider all proposals that may come forward.
ACF called for urgent measures to end the rising insecurity in the northern region.
The call was made following a meeting held at the ACF Headquarters in Kaduna, chaired by Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The group, in a statement by Tukur Baba, said brought together a wide array of northern leaders, including former governors, ministers, service chiefs, and other prominent figures, all deeply concerned about the escalating insecurity, high cost of living, unemployment, and other socioeconomic issues plaguing Northern Nigeria.
Amongst its key resolutions, the ACF pledged to unite northern voices and strengthen its role as a defender of northern interests. It urged Northerners from various ethnic and religious backgrounds to foster trust and refrain from derogatory language against one another.
On addressing insecurity, the meeting emphasized the urgent need to end insecurity in the region, which is being devastated by banditry, Boko Haram insurgency, and rising drug abuse.
The ACF also criticized the current security measures as inadequate and called for unconventional and community-driven defense models, like those used by the Civilian JTF, to be considered in other parts of the country.
Following the economic crisis, the ACF expressed concern over the skyrocketing cost of living driven by food shortages and rising prices of electricity and fuel. It urged the government to take immediate action to mitigate these economic challenges.
The forum also identified corruption as a major cause of poor governance, which it believes is at the root of Nigeria’s economic and social crises. It called for a renewed commitment to fighting corruption at all levels.
It emphasized that the North is prepared to pursue its legitimate interests in any constitutional discussions.
