By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent Northern representative, emerged from a well-attended meeting in Kaduna, cautioning that the nation could experience widespread social unrest, particularly in the Northern region, due to the persistent and severe economic challenges.
The Forum highlighted the ongoing hardships faced by the average citizens, who are grappling daily with issues such as inflation, unemployment, declining living standards, and the prevalence of insurgency, terrorism, and banditry.
In a statement released and endorsed by the Forum’s national spokesperson, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, it expressed deep concern over the dire, acute, and chronic nature of the problems in certain Northern areas.
The Northern representative largely attributed the economic difficulties to the elimination of fuel subsidies, and the implementation of new taxes and levies by the Federal Government, which have led to a rapid deterioration in the quality of life for citizens.
The statement read: “With great concern, we deplore the increasing security-related incidents across all three geopolitical zones, particularly those encompassing the northern states. These issues have far-reaching implications on the political, social, and economic landscape of the region. The NEC reiterates the ACF’s previous stance that if left unchecked, the escalating nature of these problems could incite public discontent and social upheaval.
“Of equal concern are the widening regional disparities in key social demographic indicators, such as access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic participation, political engagement, and living conditions. Efforts must be made to address these disparities to prevent Nigeria from becoming a nation divided. Measures that promote unity rather than division among citizens should be a top priority for all stakeholders, both government and citizens alike.
“As previously emphasized in various public statements, the ACF calls for immediate action and focused attention from governments at all levels to address the rapid decline in living standards. The imposition of new taxes and levies has become increasingly burdensome for ordinary Nigerians. There is a clear need for the implementation of public policy initiatives aimed at alleviating the challenges posed by low purchasing power.
“On a national level, particularly in the Northern states, the NEC acknowledges the ongoing tough and challenging circumstances faced by the average citizen, who is confronted daily with soaring inflation, unemployment, deteriorating living standards, and the looming threats of insurgency, terrorism, and banditry; issues that persist in some Northern areas.
“The root causes of these problems can be attributed to government policies implemented in recent months, including the removal of petroleum subsidies, the devaluation of the Naira, sharp increases in electricity costs, rising tariffs and taxes, amidst what appears to be a lack of fiscal responsibility among public officials, to name a few.
“The ACF recognizes the efforts made by the federal, state, and local governments in addressing the identified challenges. However, it is evident that due to the magnitude and complexity of the issues, the public policy response remains inadequate and ineffective.
“The ACF urges citizens to unite in support of the government and to seek divine intervention in the face of our numerous trials, envisioning a prosperous Nigeria characterized by justice, equity, love, righteousness, and hope, replacing the current sense of despair and hopelessness.
“To cultivate a spirit of necessary sacrifice among citizens, the ACF calls on public officials to refrain from wasteful and extravagant spending of public funds.
“As always, we stand firmly behind Nigeria’s security forces in their unwavering commitment to combat criminality, insecurity, and instability, and we pray for their victory over insurgents, terrorists, and bandits.
“May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
