*Insists discussions must be with regard to “present democratic structure”
The umbrella socio-cultural group in the north, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), on Wednesday finally waded into the simmering national debate on how best to organise Nigeria in order to move the country forward.
While being ambivalent on the central issue of restructuring, the group regretted that the discussions are taking place without regard to the country’s “present democratic structure.”
While not opposing restructuring in principle, the group however warned that for any restructuring to be genuine, it must be just, fair and equitable to all.
ACF spokesman, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, said in a statement released in Kaduna and made available to The Niche that the “Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) wishes to lend its voice to the debate as to whether or not to restructure the Federation of Nigeria. However, ACF has observed with regret that in most cases, the discussions are taking place without regard to our present democratic structure, as the issues are in some cases presented as “demands” by one group or the other.
“Unfortunately, in most cases they are followed up by some ultimatum to the government to accept or face deadly consequences. It should be clear to all the agitators, that restructuring a complex, big and diverse country as Nigeria is a serious business that must take account of the views of all its citizens, and not just of those that shout the loudest.
“More so, such discussions must be free of threats, intimidation or blackmail from any group or individual. A genuine restructuring must therefore be just, fair and equitable to all. Furthermore, it must strengthen our democracy, unity, peace and development of the Nigerian components. ACF therefore calls for a due process through our present democratic structures rather than just crass agitation, if we are to achieve ‘true’ federalism.”
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
