Thursday, January 15, 2015

ACF Rejects Calls For Interim Govt


The National Executive Council (NEC) of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday rose from its meeting in Kaduna, insisting that the general elections must hold as scheduled in February, The Nation reports.

It insisted on supporting Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the February 14, Presidential poll.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Muhammad Ibrahim, said, “the meeting deliberated with great pains on the continually deteriorating security situation in the country, especially in the Northeast.

“The spate of continued and increasing violence with consequent loss of lives and property with many being dislocated and made displaced 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.

“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. The Forum therefore commends the gallantry of the Military and sympathizes with the victims of this latest carnage.

“The condition in which many displaced people are now kept in the various camps is appalling and inhuman. 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 ACF also appreciates the support of philanthropists and urged them to continue the good work.” the statement read.

On Buhari’s endorsement, the statement said, “ACF’s NEC Chairman’s statement on the issue of the Forum supporting a Northern candidate in the person of General Muhammadu Buhari is hereby reaffirmed.”

“The ACF 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” it said.f
”Finally 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 its earlier statement that 2015 general elections must hold in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.”
”Finally 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 its earlier statement that 2015 general elections must hold in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.”

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