The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has aligned with the League of Northern Democrats (LND) to emancipate the Northern region that is battling acts of terrorism and strife.
“There is now a clarion call for individual sacrifices and individual inputs for the survival of our region and the emancipation of our downtrodden people.
“A sizeable number of our brothers and sisters in the region have demonstrated proclivity towards politics and political offices come 2027. They are already focusing on the 2027 elections. While politics is sine qua non in our clime, this present moment calls for the recognition of our region’s plights and strategic efforts for ameliorating hardships that have beseeched on people,” Chairman of the ACF, Mamman Mike Osuman(SAN), has said.
He spoke at the opening of the Forum’s National Executive Committee Meeting in Kaduna today, reports Vanguard.
According to him, “since my investiture as Chairman of ACF on 12th December 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.
“In Kano, I was privileged to cut the tape while declaring open their impressive new Secretariat. The Chairman of Kano Chapter Dr. Gwoni Faruk introduced members of his executive and highlighted the Chapter’s achievements and prospective programs. Well-meaning persons including our own ACF’s Deputy Chairman Senator Ibrahim Ida – the Wazirin Katsina and Alhaji A.A. Rano of Rano Air pledged certain sums of money to the chapters.
“These exquisite gentlemen have long redeemed their pledge. The Secretary-General and some members of ACF were present. The meeting was adorned by the Chairman of the ACF Selection Committee, General Haliru Akilu, mni.
“The nearly two-hour meeting ended with the taking of group photographs which regrettably haven’t been sent to the National Secretariat yet. Having listened to a sonorous roll call of members of the executive of that Chapter, I directed the Chairman to send to the National Secretariat, a full list of members of its executive, its other members, a list of their completed and ongoing projects in the past six months as well as minutes of their meetings in the past six months. I hope that they will impress us today with this gift.
“My dear brothers and sisters, I welcome you to today’s end-of-the-year formal Meeting of the National Executive Committee of Arewa Consultative Forum.
I am mindful of the inconveniences and huge challenges facing each member and yet you constantly make individual sacrifices out of genuine love for our region. Let us strive to improve the social, cultural and economic lives of our people. Please continue the struggle even when confronted with distractions.
“As educated parents of faith, keep up the struggle as our forebearers did. Only attend meetings in Kaduna when you can and when convenient. Things are hard and may get worse. Your families must be your priorities. Notwithstanding, you should subsist in your endeavour to attend and participate in the functions that are conceived and organised by your State Chapters. State Chapters are ACF’s ground force. Like pons on a Chessboard, State Chapters are ACF’s real operational contacts at the grassroots. Abuja, Kaduna and other metropolises wherein the political and administrative powers are situated are far removed from the rural locations where our parents and relations dwell and where bandits ravage, plunder, kill, kidnap and maim.
“In essence, our chapters need to be organised and purpose-driven. They must not allow religion and ethnic differences to scuttle their operations. The leadership in the State Chapters must accommodate and respect religious differences and be non-partition. I envisage a time when Chapters will collaborate and indeed hold joint meetings ( like Northern Governors Forum ) that will address their common denominator problems under the auspices of the National Executive Committee of the ACF.
“ACF’s Vision and Mission Statement are succinctly stated in Section 4 “AIMS AND OBJECTIVES” subsection 1,2,3 and 7 of its Constitution. I encourage you to read up on these provisions of our Constitution. Until our current Constitution is amended by Section 23 of our current binding provision of ACF’s Constitution, you should operate within its bounds. No one should circumscribe ACF’s grundnorm in satisfaction of his idiosyncrasies.
“Before the end of the 1st Quarter of 2025, I will expect that the ACF National Secretariat will oblige every registered member, a printed Register of all members of State Chapters, Statutory BODY Members, NEC Members, the Leadership together with their Phone Numbers, WhatsApp Numbers and e-mail addresses.
Find ways of reaching out to your Governors, and the Local Government Chairmen. Prepare welfare programs that positively enhance the lives of your rural areas.
“I recommend that you abide by the Rotary principles of ‘Service Above Self’ and the ‘Four Way Test of the things you think, say or do’. These principles are meant to characterize your thoughts, deeds and attitudinal behaviours.”
“The Four Way Test reads:
‘Is it the truth:
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all Concerned?’
“The above message conveys the following commands; namely: – you must be genuine, not inclined to self-embellishment or embark on adventurism. You must remain focused, charity oriented and geared towards peace, selflessness, comradeship and love for one another.
“For Chapters and Standing Committees.
Make sure your proceedings at Meetings are conducted in a language that is understood by all. The reason for this is obvious. To the extent that any Nigerian, no matter his or her faith or ethnicity who is of northern abstraction and is 18 years and above, can, on registration in the manner prescribed in Section 5 Subsections 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution, become a member and participate in meetings in the Chapter within that state. Engender unity. Unity is our strength. United we stand, divided we fall.
“The current fragmentations in groups that we now experience in the North is as a result of prejudices perpetrated by individuals within our folds. Please do not exacerbate it. Instead, be an agent of unity. This was what our late father and political father, the late Sardauna was.
“I placed a premium on the State Chapters hence my resolve to visit each Chapter at least once within my statutory years in office. But this has not been possible as the Secretary-General cautioned that ACF has no resources with which to conduct the visits. The way forward would be to collaborate on all visits, i.e. that of the Governors and the Chapters. This again is subject to vicissitudes.
“I have, however, been able to speak to a few individual executives of State Chapters during which periods we discussed important ACF issues relating to their environments. Please call me any day at your convenience. By reason of my profession and practice you may not always access me. But register your message/s either as a text message or by WhatsApp. Periodically, either my Personal Secretary or I will read the message.
“We have for saving costs at attending meetings tinkered with the strategies of holding Conference discussions through visuals and zooms. These methodologies are not easily sustainable. But we shall try.
“Please keep up the good fight as ACF’s objectives can best be attained through our Chapters in view of their proximity to the rural and local areas of needs in our Region.
“On the burial of President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, I travelled to Owerri on 31st of October 2024 to represent ACF at the massive Burial Program of Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu late President General (domestic and worldwide) of Ohaneze Nd’Igbo – a counterpart socio-cultural group. Other socio-cultural groups namely: – Middle-belt Forum, Afenifere and the South-South groups also attended the final burial Rights. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation represented the President while State Governors, Senators, House of Assembly Members, Traditional Rulers and several other dignitaries were present to pay their respect.
“ACF’s physical presence and participation during the last burial Rites of the head of Ohaneze – a counterpart socio-cultural organisation was by subsection 5 and 6 of Section 4 of ACF’s Constitution. They state:
(5) To liaise and cooperate with other relevant local, national and international organizations and agencies that would further the attainment of the Forum’s objectives.
(6) To establish and develop relationships with organizations with similar aims and objectives.
The Executive and members of Ohaneze Nd’igbo and the South East Governors expressed appreciation at ACF’s representation at the burial.
“Resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Kari-Wazirin Bauchi and Vice chairman of ACF,
“Last week, the Secretary-General sent me a signed printed letter of resignation from the Vice Chairman of ACF – Alhaji Mohammed Kari–Wazirin Bauchi. Even though he stated ‘personal reasons’ as being the basis for the resignation, he nonetheless proceeded to urge the ACF to ‘maintain unity and cohesion’, and to work “within the confines of our Constitution as only that” according to him ‘will ensure the continued success of our collective efforts’.
“Wazirin Bauchi was an invaluable Vice Chairman and a major asset to the Forum. ACF will undoubtedly miss him. He was frank and always sincere. He was inspirational and honest. On behalf of ACF, I salute him and respect his decision. I also pray for his continued good health and services to his Emirate, State and Country.
“Welfare of members: ln the past, the Secretary-General had ameliorated the expenses borne by members that attend meetings. While that gesture was desirable, I regret that same will be suspended until our finances improve. I expect Chapters to fund the expenses of their members; not the Headquarters.
“I have directed the Secretariat to post online ACF’s Minutes, updates and notices relating to forthcoming events. This will of course require your WhatsApp phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Please remember to include them during your registrations.
“One major coming event is with ACF’s 25th Anniversary which will take place in 2025. This information is on this Agenda and will be discussed anon.
I have directed the Secretary-General to present me with a format that will engender an amazing Program that will mark this great forthcoming event. Once more, thanks for today’s attendance. Let us be genuinely collective in our purpose for our dear Region.
“There is now a clarion call for individual sacrifices and individual inputs for the survival of our region and the emancipation of our downtrodden people.
A sizeable number of our brothers and sisters in the Region have demonstrated proclivity towards politics and political offices come 2027. They are already focusing on the 2027 elections. While politics is sine qua non in our clime, this present moment calls for the recognition of our Region’s plights and strategic efforts for ameliorating hardships that have beseeched on people.
“On vist to Dangote Refinery in Lekki- Lagos State.Not too long ago, the leadership of ACF visited Alhaji Aliko Dangote to listen to him and also evaluate the avaricious newspaper reports that were trending against him. We listened to him and inspected his massive phenomenal state-of-the-art the Art Refinery.
On our return, we published an advertorial in three national newspapers wherein ACF stated its own findings, cautions and position. We also visited former President Buhari in Daura and our revered elder, philanthropist and father – Alhaji Dantata in Kano.
“We made a 1-day visit to Maiduguri where we commiserated with the Governor and later, with the Shehu of Bornu on the disastrous effects of the flood that killed our people and devastated property worth billions of naira. We were also conducted around disaster locations where we observed some vestiges of the damage occasioned by the flood.
“Death of Col.Uba, former Secretary General of ACF. The office of the Secretary General of ACF is a huge sacrifice as most of you have observed with our current Secretary General. Our records will testify to the fact that most occupants of this office, just as its current occupant were and is a highly respected national figures with impressive service profiles. So was our late Col. Uba who died three (3) months ago. Members of ACF Secretariat and I represented ACF at his burial Rites both in the Catholic Church service and at the Military Burial Ground in Abuja.
“We co-celebrated 90 years of God’s favour on our Grand Patron General Dr. Yakubu Gowon. The Celebration that stretched through four days was phenomenal and a masterpiece. We visited our patron – General Ibrahim Babangida. We also visited the Governor of Niger State.
When future events take place, I will, if able, strive to include some of you in the entourages that will constitute the numbers that will undertake visits.
“I do understand their feelings.
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 also by sinister devices like disproportionate considerations and inequitable treatment.
Not long ago, I received an invitation from a new body called LEAGUE OF NORTHERN DEMOCRATS. Attached to the invitation were seven (7) pages wherein were listed 260 names most of whom were former Governors, Senators and known great sons and daughters from the North.
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 prudency and concern for our domestic and environmental problems? To what extent are our Governors and legislators synergizing 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 criminis participis in the disquiet, ills and crimes that torment us in our region, what are we (LEADERS OF THOUGHT AND STAKEHOLDERS) doing towards arresting their evil trend and propensities.
“Have our parents, religious teachers and the elites initiated an orientation and public awareness that will educate our people on the need for self-defence and self-preservation? Illegal minings by foreigners aided by our own people exist in some states. What local strategies are on the ground towards arresting this vice.
I have read the objectives of the League of Northern Democrats. Paragraphs 2 and 4 of their letter reads: The LND has been constituted in response to the worsening
condition in Northern Nigeria a region that has been plagued by
endemic poverty, illiteracy, religious and ethnic conflicts, unemployment, insecurity and the collapse of key institutions. The waning political relevance of our region within the larger Nigerian nation-state is also a matter of grave concern that the League seeks to address.
“The League is a coalition of two critical groups within our northern elite. The first group consists of individuals who have distinguished themselves in various sectors of public service private enterprises and other significant fields. The second group is also composed of such individuals as of the first, but in addition are members of families of our renowned past leaders, patriots, heroes, distinct men and women from the north who served the country and left behind legacies of service and values. The combination of these two groups will be dedicated to repositioning the North to an advantageous position politically, economically and strategically within the Nigerian nation-state.
“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.
“To avoid being misunderstood, the progenitors of this brilliant concept should organize symposia where current travails that depress and make lives unbearable in our Region are stultifying education and economic growth.
“I have taken pains to bear my mind here because I ACF Chairman was invited and within the 260 listed members, are a few names of ACF members.
Should their ultimate focus before the year 2027, I humbly and respectfully recommend that their well thought out charities should begin now, and at home.
“The new 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 murders. 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.
“Please refer to the Secretary-General and the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF for more information.
“ACF functions through Standing Committees. Please see Section 14 of the ACF Constitution.
Recently, we inaugurated two outstanding Committees with definite terms of Reference. These Committees are currently working assiduously. I commend them. There are other Committees whose list have been circulated. Please identify yourselves with any within which you can passionately and competently function. Please persevere in whatever assignment your Committee dictates. Time is of the essence. Recourse to the Secretariat, or to any other person within the hierarchy of the National Executive Committee for guidance and directives as you gravitate in your assignment.
“Sub-section 4 of Section 14 of the ACF Constitution states: Standing Committees shall conduct research of any kind and on any subject considered germane to the aims and objectives of the Forum and initiate schemes for implementing its recommendations, subject to the approval of the National Executive Council.
“In the not too distant date, the Christian Festive period of Christmas and of course, the New Year will occur. Please be vigilant and cautious as miscreants usually exploit festive seasons. I wish you and your beautiful families God’s protection, comfort, happiness and the positive profundity of all the goodness of the festive season and the New Year.”
