66th Independence: ACF Laments Nigeria’s Development Stride - The Guardian Nigeria News
The Northern leaders, under the umbrella of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have lamented over the socio-economic word of Nigeria, while urging the citizens to vote wisely in the 2027 in electing credible leaders in piloting the affairs of the nation.
The ACF said that Nigerians must reflect on the state of our nation and, particularly the experiences of the citizens across the various geographical locations of Nigeria, since the enthronement of democracy in the country to provide the leadership that will positively reflect and provide solution to the developmental drive of the country.
The Chairman of ACF, Mamman- Mike Osuman (SAN) in his 66th Independent message, said that “many of our people continue to suffer from natural disasters, insecurity, displacement, economic hardship, poverty and multifaceted forms of deprivation”, while adding, “these challenges have disrupted economic activities, closed schools, separated families and, in many instances, broken homes and destroyed livelihoods.”
According to him, “sadly, some of these painful and inhuman circumstances are perpetrated or aggravated by persons into whose hands we have entrusted the responsibility of leadership and governance.”
He added, “this situation calls for sober reflection. Leadership is a sacred trust. Those entrusted with public authority must continually remember that they hold such positions in trust for the people and for the common good.”
“I therefore once again urge all eligible citizens to exercise their civic responsibility by voting.”
He explained, “however, our votes should be based on individual analysis, conscience, judgment and assessment of the candidates and the issues, rather than merely responding to the clarion calls or directives of any political party.”
He argued, “the vote of every citizen is a personal expression of choice and a constitutional instrument for determining who should be entrusted with public responsibility. Let us therefore vote responsibly, peacefully and conscientiously.”
Osuman cautioned, “the period leading to elections, as well as the period immediately following them,can be tense and potentially hazardous.
I therefore urge all citizens, particularly our youths, to exercise restraint and avoid locations, gatherings and incidents that are known or reasonably suspected to be trouble-prone. No political contest is worth the loss of a human life.
Let us reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, provocation and the destruction of lives and property. Differences of political opinion should never become reasons for hatred, violence or the destruction of our communities.”
He noted, “today, 1 October 2026, provides the Arewa Consultative Forum and, indeed, all Nigerians, with an opportunity for introspection and reflection. We must ask ourselves: Who are we as a people and as a region?
Have we become increasingly individualistic, or are we still committed to collaboration and collective responsibility?”
“Are we increasingly circumscribed by the pursuit of “self” rather than the advancement of “us”? Are we truly united in all ramifications, or do we exist in splinters based on tribe, faith, political affiliation, personal interests, ego, relevance and self-embellishment?
These are difficult but necessary questions”, he stressed.
