Boko Haram: Do More, Arewa Forum Tells FG

• Reaffirms Support For Buhari

THE Northern Socio-cultural Organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the Federal Government to ensure that it deplores the military with sufficient force to confront the Boko Haram insurgents and end the reign of terror in the northeast states, adding that the conduct of the forthcoming general elections should not be affected by the crisis.

Besides, the Arewa elders commended the Military for the show of strength in combating the insurgents when they engaged them last Tuesday in Biu, Borno State, where the insurgents were repelled.

   The National Executive Council (NEC) of ACF held an emergency meeting at its Headquarters, under the Chairmanship of the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie.

     In a Communiqué that was issued, the ACF said that “the meeting deliberated with great pains on the continually deteriorating security situation in the country, especially in the North East and other issues”, stressing that “the spate of continued and increasing violence with consequent loss of lives and property with many being dislocated and made refugees in their own country and neighboring countries and who largely remain uncared for, has still not been addressed, in spite of the Forum’s and other concerned Nigerians persistent and consistent calls on the Federal Government to take drastic action against the insurgents.”

      The National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Muhammadu Ibrahim, who signed the communiqué explained that, “incidentally, only this morning the people of Biu in Borno State were viciously attacked, however, we understand that the Military was able to repel the insurgents after heavy exchange of fire”.  He added that, “the Forum therefore commends the gallantry of the Military and sympathizes with the victims of this latest carnage”.

    He noted that the condition in which many displaced people are now kept in the various camps is appalling and inhuman, pointing out that,  “the Federal and State Governments are once more reminded of their responsibilities to provide adequate rehabilitation to take care of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).”

     The Forum also reiterated its call on the Federal Government to step up offensive attack on the insurgents and bring an end to this unnecessary wanton destruction of lives and property.

    The ACF spokesman said that, “the Chairman’s statement on the issue of the Forum supporting a Northern candidate in the person of General Muhammadu Buhari is hereby reaffirmed”, adding that “it is the policy of the ACF to support any Northerner in any presidential election”.

     “The ACF therefore wishes to reaffirm that statement and dissociates itself from any contrary statement issued by any other member of the Forum. The Chairman is constitutionally empowered to direct the affairs of the Forum in a manner that is in consonance with its aims, objectives and policies and also project the image of the Forum at all times”.

    Ibrahim also said that “the Forum wishes to refer to the statement made by the INEC Chairman creating doubts on the possibility of conducting elections in the areas affected by the current insurgency, and reiterate it’s earlier statement that 2015 general elections must hold in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria”.

    “Internally Displaced Persons must be allowed to exercise their civic responsibilities. INEC and the Federal Government must ensure that elections are successfully conducted. No one should be disenfranchised.”