Paragraph 1: The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent voice in northern Nigeria, has issued a resounding call for unity and vigilance in the face of mounting challenges. Chief Mamman Osuman (SAN), Chairman of the ACF, addressed the 78th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Kaduna, emphasizing the urgent need for northern leaders and citizens to confront the escalating insecurity, political maneuvering, and environmental disasters that threaten the region’s stability. He warned against complacency and the spread of misinformation, urging a unified front against the complex issues facing the North. Osuman’s address set a sober tone for the NEC meeting, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action.
Paragraph 2: The escalating insecurity plaguing the North, ranging from terrorism to banditry, formed a central theme of Osuman’s address. He lamented the devastating toll on human lives, acknowledging the loss of children, adults, and the elderly to both natural disasters like flooding and the violence perpetrated by criminals and terrorists. The chairman’s words painted a grim picture of the region’s plight, emphasizing the profound grief and suffering endured by its people. The ACF, he stressed, is deeply concerned about these ongoing tragedies and called for introspection and prayer as a means of coping with the immense loss.
Paragraph 3: Beyond the immediate security concerns, Osuman also acknowledged the recent passing of several prominent northern leaders and ACF stalwarts. He mourned the loss of former Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Deputy Secretary-General, Alhaji Umar Moriki; former Minister, Professor Jubril Aminu; elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad Uwais; and immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari. Their passing, Osuman noted, represents a significant loss for the region and the nation as a whole. His acknowledgement of these figures underscored the importance of their contributions and the void left by their absence.
Paragraph 4: Against this backdrop of challenges and loss, the ACF chairman reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its core principles. He emphasized the ACF’s non-partisan stance, stating unequivocally that while individual members are free to hold their own political beliefs, the Forum itself will not align with any political party. This commitment to neutrality, Osuman explained, is crucial for the ACF to effectively pursue its mission of promoting the well-being of the North and its people, while respecting the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria. He did, however, express the ACF’s willingness to collaborate with organizations sharing similar objectives, noting that the “Forum for National Restoration” had been invited to address the NEC meeting.
Paragraph 5: Looking to the future, Osuman outlined the ACF’s plans and initiatives. He announced the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration, scheduled tentatively for October 15-30, 2025, and highlighted the extensive preparations underway. The chairman expressed his admiration for the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the various committees involved in planning the event. He assured members that the Secretary-General would provide further details on the anniversary program during subsequent deliberations. Furthermore, Osuman cautioned members against disseminating unverified or radical views on the ACF’s Rapid Response Platform, urging them instead to rely on state chapters and the headquarters for guidance. He also disclosed that the 78th NEC meeting had a twelve-point agenda, including updates on the Forum’s registered company, ARECON, and discussions on the recurring “ETTE issue.” The meeting, he added, would conclude with the traditional “State of the Nation” address by the Forum’s Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Baba, and the issuance of a communiqué.
Paragraph 6: In his concluding remarks, Osuman issued a powerful call for resilience, unity, and adherence to the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of brotherhood, truth, and righteousness, describing the present moment as a defining period for the North. He encouraged members to consult with their state chapters or the headquarters for guidance when faced with uncertainty. The chairman then led the assembly in a prayer for the departed leaders and citizens, seeking forgiveness for their transgressions and eternal peace for their souls. The NEC meeting, attended by numerous prominent northern leaders, subsequently moved into closed-door sessions to deliberate on crucial issues such as regional unity, security challenges, and the planned silver jubilee celebrations. The meeting, marked by a sense of urgency and a commitment to collective action, underscored the ACF’s role as a crucial platform for addressing the complex challenges confronting northern Nigeria.
