The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has raised the alarm over
the rising insecurity of communities and properties in the North.
NEF noted that the recent escalation of attacks by bandits,
rustlers and insurgents had left the only conclusion that the people of the
North were now completely at the mercy of armed gangs who roam towns and
villages at will, wrecking havoc.
The convener, Northern Elders Forum, Professor Ango
Abdullahi, observed, “It would appear that the administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari and governors have lost control over the imperatives of
protecting people of the North, a constitutional duty that they swore to
uphold.
“The situation is getting worse literally by the day.
Bandits and insurgents appear to sense a huge vacuum in political will and
capacity which they exploit with disastrous consequences on communities and
individuals.”
The statement explained that it was no exaggeration to say
that the people of the North had never experienced this level of exposure to
criminals who attack, kill, maim, rape, kidnap, burn villages and rustle
cattle, while President Buhari issues threats and promises that have no effect.
“The situation under which our communities from Kogi to
Borno States, from Sokoto to Taraba States live is no longer tolerable. As a
responsible body, the Forum has joined millions of others in prayers and in
giving advise and encouragement to all authorities that have responsibility to
protect our communities.
“It is now time to say, enough is enough. Our people are
known for their patience and respect for constituted authorities, but all
governments must be aware by now that all Northerners have been pushed to the
wall,” the forum said.
The forum said that it was aware that some citizens were
contemplating peaceful protests, which were their constitutional rights, to
draw attention of President Buhari and all levels of authority to the plight of
people of the North.
The forum urged all citizens to conduct themselves in
peaceful and responsible manner
It equally asked governments to respect the rights of
citizens to express their opinions peacefully.
It said it is also consulting other groups and organizations
which share its goals and concerns to lend their voices to the demands for
action and relief from what the forum described as “unremitting assaults on our
lives and livelihood as Northerners”.
The Forum reminded President Muhammadu Buhari that provision
of security and pursuit of economic welfare of citizens were the only two
constitutional responsibilities of the state which all leaders must achieve.
“Our current circumstances in the North clearly demonstrate
that President Buhari’s administration has woefully failed to achieve either.
This is unacceptable.We demand an immediate and comprehensive improvement of
our security in the North,” the statement added.
The statement explained that the people were tired of
excuses and verbal threats which criminals laugh at, saying that the citizens
see such as a clear failure of leadership.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
What does NEF want? Is Baba the state governors or service chiefs. Don't they receive security votes?
ReplyDeleteSai Baba!
4+4 = 8
All country has one challenge or the other and our Elders should join hand to ensure that whatever the problem is, it should be tackled for the problem of the country.