AREWA MEET WITH PRESIDENT
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Wednesday night closed ranks with
President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle insecurity, especially the issue
of Boko Haram which has nearly brought the economy of Northern Nigeria
economy to its knees.
Chairman of ACF, Lt General Jeremiah Useni, said the body was ready to
work with the Federal Government to address the issue, adding that their
forum was not “a small body” to take their word lightly.
He particularly expressed happiness that the government had agreed to
dialogue with the group and assured that all would soon be well.
"We always advise the government; we represent the North and we are a
very strong group. Our happiness is that the Federal Government has
agreed to dialogue with the group. It is not a new thing even when you
are fighting with somebody you have to sit down one day to talk," he
said.
Asked of his view on the comment by General Muhammadu Buhari that there
will be bloodshed if the 2015 election was rigged, Useni replied: "I
cannot speak for them. I don't know why they said so. God determines
everything. God determines even our tomorrow, even tonight".
He however disagreed that there was a problem or war between the
government and Buhari and explained that disagreeing with each other did
not translate to war.
"I don't think there is any war going on… if you say anything and I
disagree with you does not mean we are fighting. We are not fighting
anybody," he insisted.
Also responding to questions, Special Adviser to the President on Media
and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that ACF pledged to work with the
government on tackling Boko Haram and was available to cooperate on any
issue they were consulted on.
He explained that the ACF had already taken certain initiative and has
set up a committee on the issues which recommendations would be made
available to the government when ready.
He said Jonathan assured them that the doors of his administration were
open to them and was ready to cooperate with them in whatever way
possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment