Arewa Progressive Forum (APFO) has disassociated itself from the recent views expressed by the Northern Elders Forum against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach to security in the region....CONTINUE READING
The Northern Elders had said the region regretted voting for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election.
The National Secretary of the forum, Magaji Abbas Danbatta while addressing newsmen on Monday said the recent outbursts of the Elders forum did not represent the Northern agenda for peace and national unity of the country which is not negotiable.
Dambatta said it was an error for any group or political association to come out openly and announce their regret over majority decisions, warning that northern elders are derailing from their counseling and advisory role to the government on national issues as it affects the region.
The group further supported Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle over his mature response to the NEF outbursts against President Tinubu, saying, the people behind the claim were more interested in personal gains than the unity and survival of Nigeria.
“We wholeheartedly endorsed the reactions of Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle to some members of this group. They are not in tune with the current reality in the North. The reaction to their utterances by the Minister of State Defence is appropriately done to safe guard the Presidency, because it is an institution that needs respect & dignified to all Nigerians.
“Northern elders should be seen as neutral, mediators or opinion shapers on national unity, cohesion, and progress without regional bias. This is key because Nigeria’s unity can’t be negotiated on the page of newspapers.
