We have failed our people, not afraid of constitutional amendment, restructuring — ACF
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Northern leaders, under the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have publicly acknowledged their failures in addressing key governance issues affecting their people.
In a meeting held on Wednesday, the ACF’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Chairman Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu, expressed a commitment to defend the interests of the northern region without fear.
They apologised to Northerners for not adequately representing their interests amidst the current socio-political challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.
The leaders also affirmed their readiness to engage in any constitutional review and restructuring under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, while voicing opposition to recent past constitutional conferences.
Chairman Dalhatu addressed the meeting, stating: “Given the recent pronouncements and actions of some federal government officials, especially in light of pressures from certain self-serving groups, there may be attempts at unnecessary constitutional reviews before the end of this administration.”
He continued, “Regardless of whether the federal government sponsors any constitutional review exercises, it is essential to correct the misconception that the North is hesitant or opposed to such reviews. The truth is that the North is prepared to consider any constitutional or administrative changes and will actively pursue its legitimate interests.”
Dalhatu emphasised that the meeting was not meant to assign blame or point fingers but to acknowledge the collective failure in safeguarding the region. “We owe a profound apology to the people of Northern Nigeria for our failure to prevent the region from descending into one of its worst crises.”
He noted, “The presence of numerous elders and leaders from all parts of Northern Nigeria at this meeting is encouraging and indicative of our potential for unity. The ACF remains a platform that is neither pro-government nor anti-government but pro-North. We will acknowledge positive actions while firmly opposing any unfair treatment.”
Dalhatu outlined the two primary objectives of the meeting: first, to reorganise the ACF as an effective vehicle for northern interests, and second, to devise strategies for addressing the existential challenges facing both the North and Nigeria as a whole.
Notable attendees included Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano and pro-tem chairman of the League of Northern Democrats; Senator Tanko Almakura, former governor of Nasarawa State; Abdullahi Adamu, former National Chairman of the APC; General Halilu Akilu; General Muhammad Maigoro; Senator Kabiru Gaiya; Yayale Ahmed, former SGF; Adamu Muazu, former National Chairman of the PDP; Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa State; Ramalan Yero, former governor of Kaduna State; Babachir Lawal, former SGF; Boss Mustapha, immediate past SGF; Lawal Batagarawa, former Minister of State for Defence; MD Abubakar, former Inspector General of Police; DIG (rtd) Aliyu Attah; and Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, former governor of Jigawa State.
