BREAKING: Paul Unongo Resigns From Arewa Forum

As a fallout of the continued attacks on Benue state by Fulani herdsmen, Paul Unongo, has resigned from the Arewa Consultative Forum.

The elder statesman resigned on Wednesday evening at an emergency meeting of the Forum in Abuja.

His resignation comes barely two weeks after he threatened to raise an army against the killer herdsmen in Benue State.

Unongo, who succeeded the late former Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Maitama Sule, in 2017, said he stepped down to give way for a new leadership to implement the suggestions he had made as well as help move the forum forward.

“I opted to step down because of my conviction that the time has come for the NEF to produce the type of leaders that will implement some suggestions we have made. My stepping down will also afford me the opportunity to concentrate fully on other things that will further move the country forward”, Unongo said.

“But I gave them the freedom to choose whoever they want and I will give the person my full support”, he added.

Confirming the development in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, the National Executive Forum said it accepted Unongo’s resignation reluctantly, even as it approved that the deputy Convener, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura, be appointed as acting Convener.

Abdullahi stated: “The Forum reluctantly accepted the offer of its Convener to step aside to allow the emergence of a structured leadership which should prepare the Forum to deal with many of the challenges facing the North.

“It took note of the sterling contributions of Wantaregh Paul Unongo to the foundation and development of the Northern Elders Forum along with its late predecessor and confident, Danmasanin Kano Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule.

“The Forum has been assured by Wantaregh Paul Unongo of his life-time commitment to the goals and projects of the Forum, and is grateful for the fatherly and statemanly status which he will continue to place at the service of the Forum.

“The Forum has approved that the Deputy Convener, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura, CON should assume responsibility for the interim leadership of the Forum. Further reorganization of the Forum will be undertaken in the next few days.”

Abdullahi further called on federal and state governments as well as security agencies to take more decisive steps to restore the security of lives and property of citizens.

“The Forum calls on all leaders to exercise the highest levels of restraint and responsibility in the manner they exercise their powers to shape opinion and determine the responses of the citizens.

“It appeals to all communities to maintain vigilance over their relations with each other, and seek solutions that do not involve endemic conflicts that leave all of us as losers.

“The Forum will continue to seek all opportunities and avenues to engage leaders, governments and all stakeholders in the search for peace and security in the North and Nigeria.

“The Forum re-examined its basic philosophy and record, and has been re-assured that it represents a strategic asset for all Northerners, irrespective of location, ethnicity or faith.

“It is motivated, under the circumstances, to seek to re-assure all communities that it will defend and protect the interests of all Northerners and it will not succumb to blackmail and mischief that will reduce it as a platform for only one type of Northerner.”