By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has distanced itself from a purported statement supporting the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, regarding the controversy involving the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In a press release signed by its President General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the Forum stated it has not issued any official stance on the issue and urged the public to disregard circulating publications.
“The attention of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has been drawn to a publication claiming that the Forum expressed support for the Chief of Staff to the President over the PFIPC controversy. As the President General of the AYCF, I want to clearly state that the Forum did not release any official statement on this matter,” Shettima said.
He clarified that the publication did not originate from AYCF leadership and called it an attempt to mislead the public and damage the credibility the Forum has built over the years.
“The AYCF is a responsible and reputable organization that addresses issues of national importance with the utmost caution, objectivity, and a focus on facts. Regarding this issue, the Forum is still carefully examining the situation and will only communicate its position after thorough consultation and assessment of all pertinent information,” he explained.
Shettima reaffirmed the Forum’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, but emphasized that this support would not stop the AYCF from insisting on due process and fairness in public affairs.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and will continue backing all genuine efforts aimed at promoting good governance, transparency, accountability, and national growth. Nonetheless, our support for the administration does not exempt us from ensuring that due process and fairness are maintained in all matters of public concern,” he stated.
The Forum’s President General revealed that an investigation has begun to identify those responsible for the unauthorized use of its name and any collaborators involved.
“Accordingly, we have started a comprehensive investigation to find out who is behind this unfortunate act, their motives, and any accomplices involved in dragging the AYCF into issues on which we have not issued any official position,” Shettima said.
He also stated that the Forum will contact the media organization that published the story to request clarification on how the statement was attributed to AYCF without verification from its recognized leadership.
Shettima urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to rely solely on statements issued through the Forum’s official channels and authenticated by its duly recognized leadership.
“The AYCF remains committed to Nigeria’s unity, peace, stability, and progress,” the statement concluded.
