The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has blamed the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu for the worsening conditions in northern Nigeria.
The ACF called on President Tinubu to take immediate action to address the pressing issues of insecurity, education, and economic development in the region.
The pan-northern socio-political organisation stated this in a communique released to journalists at the end of its National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna, on Wednesday, November 20.
The communique, signed by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic policies, which the forum claimed have amplified hardship in the country.
“Despite the dire economic conditions in Arewa, the policies of the current Federal Government have continued to worsen the situation, showing little sensitivity to the precarious existential challenges faced by the Arewa people.
“Succinctly stated, economic reforms, while indeed desirable, should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve; the people may not be alive to reap the putative benefits.
“In view of the above, the meeting resolved as follows: calls on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review, reassess, reevaluate and re-order the direction of its economic policies with a view to giving it the needed human face.
“Strongly calls on the governors of the northern states to adopt a strong, coordinated approach to policy planning and implementation, as these relate to security, education, skills acquisition, agricultural production, health services, etc.
“Calls on the Federal Government to be receptive to criticisms, suggestions, etc., not only in line with the principles of democracy but also because they improve, not retard the policy process for the ultimate benefit of the people.
“Calls on the northern elite, in all spheres of life, to take it upon themselves to counter negative narratives about the North and also imbibe the spirit of community service, individually and collectively. The interests of the North will be best served by northerners,” the ACF said.