The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has expressed alarm that Nigeria, particularly the Northern region, retains the regrettable title of “poverty capital of the world,” where living difficulties have become deeply entrenched.
While extending congratulations to the Nigerian and global Muslim Ummah as they commemorate the 1447AH Eid-il-Fitr, the forum observed that widespread severe economic adversities have contradicted official assertions of improving conditions. It added that multidimensional poverty and related forms of social and political exclusion continue to afflict a significant majority of the populace.
The forum remarked that this year’s Holy Month, typically a time for devout worship, spiritual contemplation, sacrifice, and charitable acts towards others, has been marked by existential challenges and a decline in living standards.
A statement released by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Muhammad-Baba, stated, “All three geopolitical regions in the North are beset with formidable obstacles, as if indicating an inevitable descent into chaos. The Northcentral region has been besieged as armed non-state groups persist in disturbing the peace of residents in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Kwara states. States in the Northwest, the nucleus of banditry, remain under the harsh grip of bloodthirsty criminals, misleadingly termed ‘bandits’ as if to perversely justify their nefarious activities.”
In the Northeast, the forum noted that religious extremists seem ready to emerge again, pursuing their fanciful vision of a supposed utopia. This further illustrates Nigeria’s troubling decline, exemplified by recent unprovoked barbaric attacks by undisciplined non-state actors on military installations, notably in Borno and Plateau states.
It elaborated that the pressing cauldron of challenges is profound, extensive, multiplying, and spiraling beyond containment. Additionally, there are mounting grievances from the so-called opposition parties and individuals against extrajudicial detentions and lengthy, unconstitutional imprisonments, as well as other coercive tactics by governmental authorities and their agencies, which stand in stark contrast to widely accepted universal principles and democratic practices.
According to Muhammad-Baba, “In brief, the overall situation for the populace is one of despair, hopelessness, and despondency, so much so that the Ramadan fast, along with, coincidentally, Lent, was observed as a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirits of the people.
“Nonetheless, the political authorities must not overlook this situation. If conditions continue to worsen, the political structures may face the ire and demonstrations of the populace.”
He asserted that the ACF believes that the Nigerian predicament is not insurmountable, as significant progress could be attained through the establishment of good governance principles in public policy formulation and execution, rather than the current surreal preoccupation with political campaigns for re-election in 2027.
ACF encouraged the populace to remain patient and steadfast in prayers for a better Nigeria, affirming that no circumstance lasts indefinitely. They called on politicians seeking to contest in the 2027 elections to embrace virtuous values and principles of prudence, moderation, and self-reflection as these pertain to their obligations to the electorate.
The forum subsequently called for ongoing unwavering support for security personnel to eliminate criminal elements and lawlessness in Nigeria.
