The Arewa Consultative Forum,
ACF, has explained why it won’t endorse President Muhammadu Buhari for second
term in office.
ACF said only eligible voters
could decide who governs them in 2019 and not any northern group.
Secretary-General of the forum,
Dr. Anthony Sani, who spoke with Punch, also slammed the President for his
continuous silence over the killings in the nation.
On why Buhari won’t get ACF’s nod
for second term, Sani said, “Please note that ACF is an umbrella platform for
most northerners who belong to other groups claiming to speak for the North.
“Those members who attended the
summit exercised their constitutional right of association and opinion which
cannot be denied them, and merely indicated their place in ACF. But that cannot
vitiate the fact that they did not attend the summit in representative capacity
for the ACF.
“I have told you that it is not
the place of ACF to endorse candidates on behalf of political parties
considering the fact that the platform is not partisan; it comprises members
from different political parties.
“I hope you do not want ACF to
play the roles of political parties whose briefs include presentation of
candidates for elections. What is more, there is still one more year to go for
a fair and realistic assessment of performance of the (incumbent) regime.
“ACF did not take part in the
summit which you claim passed a vote of no confidence in President Buhari.
Those who organised the summit exercised their democratic right to association
and opinion.”
Asked if the ACF was comfortable
with the leadership style of the APC government of Buhari, Sani said, “I am not
sure if ACF is satisfied with all aspects of style of governance by this
government. As a person, I do not share the culture of silence by the regime on
matters of national importance particularly the killings going on in many parts
of the country.
“This is because such reticence tends to give
room for rumours to hold sway and speculations which are unhelpful. I also do
not like the idea of government functionaries being at cross purposes and
convey an impression of a divided Presidency which must stop.”
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