BY RIMI ALIU
THE Northern Elders Forum has said the provocations and threats linked to secession plans in some parts of the country are directly related to manoeuvers for the 2023 election, as well as attempts to hurt and weaken the North by making it the culprit behind all manner of grievances, real or contrived.
On this premise, the NEF stressed that those who believed they could intimidate or threaten the North into submitting to their demands were “grossly mistaken”.
The Northern elders also said attacks on Fulani communities who live peacefully with communities in the South must stop, adding that groups, which were floating irredentist agendas to blackmail others “do not impress the North.”
“It (NEF) understands that many of the provocations and threats are directly related to manoeuvers for 2023, as well as attempts to hurt and weaken the North by making it the culprit behind all manner of grievances, real or contrived. People who believe they can intimidate or threaten the North into submitting to their demands are grossly mistaken,” they said.
The NEF made its position known in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
The NEF said, “We have followed recent developments, events and utterances from many quarters, all of which suggest that our country is at a defining moment that will determine its fate and the security of all Nigerians for a long time to come.
“It is no exaggeration to say that our country has never been so threatened by a combination of weak and ineffective governance and a determined effort from many quarters to capitalise on this weakness to attack the foundations, which give all citizens and communities some comfort that we are not headed for almost certain, irretrievable disaster.
“It appears that many groups and persons, who have public standing, political adventurers and upstarts believe that it is open season to intensify attacks on the foundations of our co-existence through acts that provoke, frighten or otherwise cast doubts over the capacities of those who have sworn to protect the nation and citizens.”
It added, “These groups’ activities suggest that they perceive a vacuum, which provides a perfect setting for questioning the legitimacy of the Nigerian state, its ability to fight against subversion and other acts of hostility and its commitment to uphold the rule of law.
“The only voices being heard are those which demand the balkanisation of the country, or encourage dangerous politics and other acts that pitch some communities against others.”
The Northern elders said the disturbing silence from responsible Nigerians and the capitulation of hitherto influential groups to what they described as politics of the gutter was creating a dangerous space, which further eroded the chances that a rational approach to the crisis could be found.
The NEF stressed, “The Northern Elders’ Forum recognises the historic opportunity for leaders, elders and other Nigerians who believe in acting responsibly to step up now and retrieve the country from imminent disaster.
“The forum restates its commitment to sit and discuss all the challenges facing the country with responsible groups and leaders…
“The North also wants a Nigeria, which addresses at least a minimum of its requirements, and these are many. Like all other Nigerians, it believes this country must meet particular and general interests, and no group’s interest is superior to those of the others.”
The Forum, however, warned that Nigeria’s democratic process must not be made hostage to dangerous and short-sighted politics.
It said, “There is a long way to go before 2023. There are politicians who think weakening the country is their best guarantee for achieving their goals. Groups which are floating irredentist agendas to blackmail others do not impress the North.
“At the most minimal level, attacks on Fulani communities who live peacefully with communities in the South must stop.”
“No Nigerian should be threatened or ordered to leave any part of the country because it pleases other Nigerians that he does so. Elected leaders must rise to their responsibilities of protecting citizens and their property,” the NEF declared.
