Ahead of the 2023 general elections, pan Northern socio-cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has warned politicians against election rigging and use of thugs, just as it tasked stakeholders on free, fair acceptable polls.
ACF national president, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who disclosed this at the ACF National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, said the election is of great concern to every Nigerian, while tasking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure they apply law and order fully in their conduct of the elections.
The former Agriculture Minister decried the spate of insecurity across the country, while urging government to curb it for peace and order to reign.
He however noted that there was tremendous improvement on part of security agencies in the last six months in curtailing the activities of the terrorists, and called for their total elimination.
He expressed worry over flooding that has wreaked havoc on farmlands and properties leading to loss of lives and properties, while tasking government to find lasting solution to the annual scourge.
“We want to tell Nigerians that 2023 election is of great concern to us. ACF will not accept rigging and thuggery so that the choice of God and Nigerians’ will prevail. We call on INEC and security agencies to ensure law and order during the election. We are hoping and praying to God to give us the opportunity to elect leaders of our choice who will be the best materials to govern Nigeria.
“Another issue of great concern to us is insecurity. Insecurity is the biggest tragedy that has befallen the country in the last few years. However, security agencies have made tremendous efforts in curtailing the excesses of terrorists in the last six months. We look forward to their total elimination. But we regret that the steps taken by government were not fast enough,” he said.
On ASUU and Federal Government face-off, Chief Ogbeh advised that the two parties should resolve the contending issue without further delay.
“‘We are asking ASUU and Federal Government to resolve the issue as possible. We have heard from ASUU and the Federal Government. We are appealing to them to settle as quickly as possible,” he said.
