The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said that the nation is sitting on a keg of gunpowder, noting that the northern parts of the country still face security challenges and economic deprivation.

In an Eid-el-Fitr message by its Spokesman, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the group lamented the plight of the region, saying the Federal Government should urgently address them to avoid a situation of catastrophe.

ACF said: “This year’s Holy Month, a period of fervent worship, spiritual reflections, sacrifice and benevolent gestures to fellow humans, has been observed amid existential challenges and downward spiral in living conditions.

“Generalised dire economic hardships belie official claims about conditions getting better. Multidimensional poverty and associated forms of socio-economic and political deprivations have remained the lot of an overwhelming proportion of citizens. Evidentially, Nigeria, and especially the Northern region retains the unenviable status of ‘poverty capital of the world’, where living challenges have become entrenched.

“All three geo-political regions in the North face daunting challenges, as if to signal an inexorable slide into dystopia.”

Muhammad-Baba warned that “the existential cauldron of challenges is deep, wide, cascading and spiralling out of control.”

He, however, urged the people to remain patient and steadfast in prayers for a better Nigeria.

According to him, nothing in existential conditions lasts forever.

The ACF also called on politicians aspiring to run for political offices in the 2027 elections to imbibe edifying values and principles of prudence, restraint and introspection, stressing that these values relate to their responsibilities to the electorate.

It also called for unalloyed support for the security agents fighting to decimate criminals and criminality in Nigeria.

Also, former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi, called on Nigerians to pray for sustainable peace and unity of the nation, noting that these are fundamental requirements for development.

Makarfi, in a Salah message in Kaduna, expressed his sincere gratitude to Allah for making it possible for the faithful to witness the end of Ramadan.

“It is also my sincere hope that the essence of the Ramadan fast is not lost on us. The lessons, apart from spiritual rejuvenation, sacrifice, and self-deprivation, lead us to empathy with one another, hence being each other’s keeper.

“As we bid farewell to Ramadan and begin the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, we must also not lose sight of its significance, which, in part, is expressing gratitude to Allah as well as sharing with the less privileged so that all of us can partake in the celebrations and festivities,” Makarfi added.

He further stated “as we grapple with security and other socio-economic as well as political challenges, our country is in dire need of our prayers for Allah’s guidance and protection.”

Makarfi added: “I therefore enjoin all to seize the opportunity provided by this holy season to rededicate ourselves to prayers to Almighty Allah for a speedy resolution of all problems. I believe that despite current challenges, Nigeria’s place as a leader, not only in Africa but beyond, is assured. My faith in the eventuality of Nigeria attaining its full potential and realising its greatness remains unshaken. All we need to do is, even as we pray, continue to roll up our sleeves in hard work and commitment,” he added.

On his part, the senator representing Kaduna Southern District, Sunday Marshall Katung, has urged Nigerians to be committed to peace and national cohesion in the face of challenges.

Katung, in his Salah message on Friday, prayed that the festive season strengthens the bonds of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion or background. 

“Let us use this moment to renew our commitment to peace, national cohesion, and the collective advancement of our dear nation.

“As we celebrate, I urge everyone to do so responsibly, extend kindness to the less privileged, and keep in mind the true essence of Eid love, sharing, and gratitude,” he said.

He noted that Ramadan has been a period of deep reflection, sacrifice, compassion, and renewed devotion to Almighty Allah.

“It has reminded us of the virtues of patience, humility, generosity, and unity; values that are essential not only to our faith but also to the growth and progress of our society.

“Eid-el-Fitr is therefore not just a celebration, but a moment of gratitude to Allah for granting us the strength to complete the fast, and an opportunity to carry forward the lessons learned into our daily lives. I encourage us all to remain steadfast in righteousness, continue to support one another, and uphold peace and harmony in our communities.”

He reaffirmed his dedication to promoting policies and initiatives that will uplift the people, empower the youth, support the women, and improve the overall well-being of communities in his district.

“Together, we will continue to strive for sustainable development, security, and inclusive growth,” he noted.