Leaders in the North are responsible for the woes of the region, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said yesterday.
According to the region’s socio-political organization, Northern elite, and not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should be blamed for the poor socio-economic condition and underdevelopment of the region.
ACF Chairman Mamman Mike Osuman emphasised that although some policies of the current administration are unacceptable to the region, President Tinubu is not responsible for its problems.
In more than two decades, North’s three geo-political zones – Northwest, Northcentral and Northeast – have been battling with insecurity, banditry and socio-economic challenges, including poverty, mass unemployment and infrastructural deficits.
The ACF leader said its newly established ‘ACF Radio’ would be used to sensitise the people of the region to the damage done by these vices and mobilise the people for problem-solving.
Osunma, who spoke during the ACF National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, chided north’s leaders for not finding solutions to these challenges from within.
He said ACF had welcomed the setting up of the League of Northern Democrats, led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, urging the group to let charity begin at home.
Lamenting that these problems have persisted, he charged the leading lights to proffer solutions.
Osuman said: “I do admit that some policies of the current administration are repugnant and adverse to our interests as a region. ACF believes that certain policies and behaviours of our own leaders within our region need some critical evaluation
“It is in that vein that I raise the following questions: to what extent are our elected leaders demonstrating prudence and concern for our domestic and environmental problems?
“To what extent are our governors and legislators synergising with our traditional leaders in combating ills that exist within our region?
“To the extent that some of our sons, daughters, sisters and brothers are sometimes criminals who participate in the disquiet, ills and crimes that torment us in our region, what are we leaders of thought and stakeholders doing towards arresting the evil trend and propensities.?
“Have our parents, religious teachers and the elite initiated an orientation and public awareness that will educate our people on the need for self- defence and self-preservation?
Osuman added: “It is not in doubt that the North is currently under siege. Our dear region is not only being viciously attacked by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, but by sinister devises like disproportionate considerations and inequitable treatments.”
The ACF chairman urged the new association to team up with ACF in resolving the challenges.
He said: “Not long ago, I received an invitation from a new body called League of Northern Democrats. Attached to the invitation were seven pages wherein were listed 260 names, most of whom were former governors, senators and known great sons and daughters from the North. I have read the objectives of the League of Northern Democrats.
“I commend the conveners of the meeting. I respect and appreciate their objectives, which I must say are not a deviation from that of ACF.
“Their cause is worthy. My view is that while they tinker with the overall political issues that threaten our survival in our region, this still remains an auspicious time to look inwards.”
Osuman added: “To avoid being misunderstood, the progenitors of this brilliant concept should organise symposia where current travails that depress and make lives unbearable in our region, stultifying education and economic growth.
“I have taken pains to bear my mind here because I, as ACF Chairman was invited and within the 260 listed members, are a few names of ACF members. Should their ultimate focus be for 2027, I humbly and respectfully recommend that their well thought out charities should begin now, and at home.”
The ACF chairman reiterated its determination to contribute ideas in the regional search for respite from mounting challenges.
Osuman said: “The newly regenerated and rejuvenated ACF is resolved to serve our down-trodden brothers, sisters and parents who currently are on the receiving ends of evil men and women classified as bandits and murderers. We are also determined to ensure that they are respected and served.
“To that end, ACF must be their voice and the source of their confidence. It is in this vein that ACF has expanded its infrastructure to include an ACF Radio. We will through our ACF Radio constantly communicate not only our people, but also speak to prospective benefactors and governments.
“Since my investiture as chairman of ACF on December 12, 2023, my colleagues and I in ACF have witnessed a phenomenal growth in the quality and in its new number of distinguished sons and daughters from the North.”