Arewa Consultative Forum Slams Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concern over the current state of affairs in Northern Nigeria, describing it as a work in progress. The forum, which brings together representatives from diverse ethnic and religious groups, has dissociated itself from a planned nationwide protest against bad governance, citing that it is ill-timed and counterproductive.

ACF Chairman Mamman Osuman stated that the forum’s primary goal is to promote a deeper and wider conversation around the current crises of insecurity and poverty plaguing Northern Nigeria. The ACF was established in 2000 in response to a similar crisis of widespread insecurity and strife, with the intention of bringing together leaders and citizens from various backgrounds without regard to political, ethnic, or religious affiliation.

Despite the efforts made so far, Osuman noted that the achievement of peace, unity, and progress in the North remains a work in progress. The indices of human progress, including poverty, illiteracy, health, and security of life and property, continue to place the North at the bottom of the trough. The ACF Chairman emphasized that a great deal of work awaits all Northerners to change the narrative and promote the interests of the region.

The ACF is committed to articulating and defending the interests of the peoples of the North through its various activities. One such initiative is the recently constituted Technical Committee, which reviewed the 1999 Constitution and submitted its report to the joint committees of the National Assembly on Constitution review.

Osuman urged leaders and citizens alike to change the narrative without further delay, stressing that the ACF remains committed to promoting peace, unity, and progress in the North. The forum’s stance on the nationwide protest is a clear indication of its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and promote solutions to the region’s pressing issues.