By Musa Baba Adamu
The Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), has called on President Bola Tinubu to review his economic reforms to reflect greater sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, especially those in the northern region.
According to a communiqué after its National Executive Council, (NEC), meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday, the ACF expressed displeasure at the economic policies of the present administration, saying that they had worsened the hardship an average Nigerian is facing.
While outlining the unique vulnerabilities of the northern region, the Forum noted that its people were affected by food insecurity, limited access to education and skills training, and reliance on microeconomic activities for survival.
It emphasized that while economic reforms were necessary, they should not worsen poverty or hardship among the citizens they are intended to benefit, adding that the livelihoods of many depend on micro-activities.
“The region faces acute and chronic food insecurity; its youths lack education and skills training. Daunting as these may be, they can be reversed. The time to think big is now.
“Notwithstanding the parlous state of Arewa’s glaring economic challenges, the policies of the current federal government have continued to worsen matters, with little indication of the needed sensitivity to the precarious existential conditions of Arewa people.
“Succinctly stated, economic reforms, while indeed desirable, should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve. The people may not be alive to reap the putative benefits,” the communique said.
Peoples Daily reports that the group had earlier declared that it would back a Northern candidate for the 2027 presidential election. He also revealed that Mock accreditation of voters and result upload to the IReV has been scheduled for Wednesday 6th November 2024 in 12 Polling Units across six Local Government Areas in the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
Speaking further, the Chairman said by early next week, the Commission will undertake a final readiness assessment of its preparations for the Ondo election; adding that plans have been concluded for the National Peace Committee led former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar to hold the signing of the Peace Accord for parties and candidates in Ondo State on Friday 8th November 2024.
Yakubu nevertheless charged the CSOs to remember to operate within their limits and obligations as observers by complying with the Commission’s rules of engagement for accredited election observers.
Responding on behalf of the group, Jide Ojo while commending the Commission for some notable improvements in the conduct of elections, however urged the body to ensure that the use of the IReV was not easily abused like in situations where results that have not been authenticated manage to find their way there.
