Arewa Consultative Forum Cautions Against Restructuring

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said the agitators of restructuring should rather think of strengthening the democratic space rather than their “crass agitation.”

It noted that the present agitation was skewed, noting that any move to restructure the country has to follow due process through the present democratic structures.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, the ACF said: “Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) wish to lend its voice to the debate as to whether or not to restructure the Federation of Nigeria. However, ACF has observed with regret that in most cases, the discussions are taking place without regard to our present democratic structure, as the issues are in some cases presented as “demands” by one group or the other.

“Unfortunately, in most cases they are followed up by some ultimatum to the government to accept or face deadly consequences. It should be clear to all the agitators that restructuring a complex, big and diverse country as Nigeria is a serious business that must take account of the views of all its citizens, and not just of those that shout the loudest.

“More so, such discussions must be free of threats, intimidation or blackmail from any group or individual. A genuine restructuring must therefore be just, fair and equitable to all. Furthermore, it must strengthen our democracy, unity, peace and development of the Nigerian components. ACF therefore calls for a due process through our present democratic structures rather than just crass agitation, if we are to achieve ‘true’ federalism.”