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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