The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has said that, ahead of the 2023 general elections, “many unscrupulous politicians are capitalising on insecurity and agitations from different parts of Nigeria to hurt and weaken the North by making it the culprit behind all manner of grievances, real or contrived.”
In a statement made available to Blueprint Monday, signed by NEF’s Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Forum said that “people who believe they can intimidate or threaten the North into submitting to their demands are grossly mistaken”.
The statement reads: “Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has followed recent developments, events and utterances from many quarters, all of which suggest that our country is at a defining moment that will determine its fate and the security of all Nigerians for a long time to come.
“The disturbing silence from responsible Nigerians and the capitulation of hitherto influential groups to politics of the gutter is creating a dangerous space, which further erodes the chances that a rational approach to the triggers to these provocations can be found.
“The Forum recognises the historic opportunity for leaders, elders and other Nigerians who believe in acting responsibly to step up now and retrieve the country from imminent disaster. The Forum restates its commitment to sit and discuss all the challenges facing the country with responsible groups and leaders.
“It understands that many of the provocations and threats are directly related to manoeuvres for 2023, as well as attempts to hurt and weaken the North by making it the culprit behind all manner of grievances, real or contrived. People who believe they can intimidate or threaten the North into submitting to their demands are grossly mistaken.”
They added: “The North also wants a Nigeria which addresses at least a minimum of its requirements, and these are many.Like all other Nigerians, it believes this country must meet particular and general interests, and no group’s interest is superior to the others.
“There is a long way to go before 2023. Our democratic process must not be made the hostage to dangerous and shortsighted politics. There are politicians who think weakening the country is their best guarantee for achieving their goals. Groups which are floating irredentist agendas to blackmail others do not impress the North. It is vital that elected leaders find the will to reduce the damage of opportunistic politicians.
“If, as it clearly appears to be the case, they cannot do this, citizens with the capacity to influence opinion and chart a course towards a safer country for all citizens should get involved. At the most minimal level, attacks on Fulani communities who live peacefully with communities in the South must stop. No Nigerian should be threatened or ordered to leave any part of the country because it pleases other Nigerians that he does so. Elected leaders must rise to their responsibilities of protecting citizens and their properties.”
