The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, has bemoaned the recurring security challenges in the North and other parts of Nigeria.
Decrying the deteriorating security situation, he called for unity and decisive action to safeguard the region.
Speaking during the forum’s BOT meeting held on Wednesday in Kaduna, Dalhatu said that insecurity in the North had worsened in spite of the commendable efforts by the various security agencies.
He lamented the persistent killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and other states.
Dalhatu also decried the inability of Northerners to own property in the South, especially in the South-East.
“The time has come for Northern authorities to reform land ownership systems to protect the interests of our people and prevent landlessness in the North,” he said.
On the issue of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the forum demanded justice and restitution for the indigenous people displaced during the creation of Abuja.
It called for the creation of a new state for them within the Nigerian federation.
Dalhatu condemned the premature political scheming ahead of the 2027 General Elections, stating that the North was watching closely and would only support leaders who prioritise its interests.
He revealed that proposals were underway to set up a committee to assess Federal Government’s policies and how they impact Northern Nigeria.
In spite of the challenges, Dalhatu stressed that the North remained strong, influential, and capable of thriving, if united.
He declared: “With 19 states, the FCT, majority representation in national institutions, vast land mass, and population strength, the North has what it takes to lead, as long as it remains united.”
Dalhatu concluded by urging the stakeholders to give their best to ensure the success of the forthcoming 25th Anniversary celebration of the ACF.
“United we stand, divided we fall,” he affirmed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dignitaries present at the meeting included former Governors Ramalan Yero, Ahmed Makarfi, and Ibrahim Shekarau
Others were the former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed; former Minister and Governor, Sen. Simon Lalong and the former Army spokesman, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka.
Others were the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and the former Political Adviser to the Vice-President, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. (NAN)
