From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The 8th joint meeting of the Arewa Youths Coalition for Peace and Political Development and the Northern Elders Progressive Group was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
During the meeting, the leadership of both groups discussed national issues and other matters of concern.
They subsequently issued a seven-point agenda communique, outlining their resolutions.
The leadership of these Northern groups commended the efforts of the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling insecurity in parts of the northern region, especially in the North West zone.
The government’s initiative, ‘Fansan Yamma,’ which mobilizes military and security personnel to confront security challenges, was recognized for its contribution in combating threats.
The statement, jointly signed by Hon. Yusuf Abubakar (Convener), Alhaji Yasir Ramadan Kano (Youth Group), and Engr. Mustafa Aliyu Dutsin-Ma (Northern Elders Progressive Group), emphasized the need for northern political leaders, elites, and authorities to unite and find lasting solutions to the region’s numerous challenges.
The statement further noted that the lack of progress has hindered the collective growth, unity, and development of the region.
The unity, peace, and development of the North must be non-negotiable, ensuring political cohesion and understanding among all Nigerians.
“There must be a way to bring all our political leaders together, united and committed to the development of the region, putting aside hatred, mudslinging, and mischief. These are eroding our collective interest as one nation, particularly in the North, which has been plagued by disunity, insecurity, and economic challenges,” the statement read.
The groups called for the setting aside of political, religious, and ethnic differences in matters affecting the region and the country to ensure a prosperous and progressive future for generations to come.
The statement also expressed concern over the conduct of some clerics who, instead of teaching moral character and offering wisdom, have turned into entertainers, discussing political unity, security, and the survival of the country in ways that mislead their followers. The leadership called on these clerics to refrain from creating unnecessary tension through unguarded utterances that could incite violence and disrupt peace.
“We appeal to our revered clerics to stop making inflammatory statements and instead allow professionals to speak on issues beyond their expertise. Unfortunately, many of them are being used as tools for propaganda, spreading falsehoods and misleading information,” the statement said.
The leadership condemned the circulation of misinformation by clerics, especially those who use their platforms to amplify unverified claims, which often result in division and misunderstanding.
The groups also rejected the recent allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Military Head of Niger Republic, against Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tchiani had accused the Nigerian president of colluding with France to destabilize Niger. The leadership deemed such accusations irresponsible and unpresidential, calling them baseless and potentially harmful to the political stability of the country.
The statement affirmed their full support for President Tinubu’s efforts to promote development, unity, and peace, particularly in the northern region. The groups called for an immediate apology from the President of Niger Republic to Nigeria, urging him to avoid creating unnecessary tensions between the two nations, which share a common historical bond.
The leadership also cautioned groups with ulterior motives from inciting hatred, emphasizing the negative consequences of such actions on the survival of the nation. They urged a patriotic and responsible approach to issues that affect national growth, unity, and respect.
The groups took the opportunity to commend Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Tinubu, for his relentless efforts in ensuring peace and security across the country, particularly in the northern region. His approach, which includes both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, has helped stabilize areas that had previously been affected by frequent attacks.
Finally, the statement urged Mallam Ribadu to use his office to bring an end to the reign of terror perpetrated by the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, who has been wreaking havoc in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.
