BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) says any restructuring of the Nigerian project must be based on justice, fairness and equity that will enhance the unity, stability, peaceful co-existence and balanced development of the country.
Arising from current nationwide agitations for restructuring the Nigerian Federation, ACF lamented that most complaints are not backed by facts thereby threatening national cohesion and generating more heat than the required light.
In a communiqué signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna, the ACF said; “It is in this light that the meeting agreed to set up a committee on restructuring that will examine all aspects and suggest a common perspective on what represents the interest of the North within the Nigerian project without prejudice to other national interest.”
The ACF agreed with claims by many that the present democratic system is unnecessarily expensive and counter-productive to the nation’s economic growth and development, pointing out that it is unfortunate about 70 per cent of the annual budget is being spent on recurrent expenditure to the detriment of capital projects.
The Communiqué however lamented that; “there have been claims of marginalization by one section of the country against the other, which have created anxiety, fear and mistrust among the various components of the Nigerian project.”
On the NNPC saga, the ACF expressed concern over the open altercations between the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru over allegations of abuse of due process in contract awards; managerial imperfections; and acts of insubordination against the GMD.
The meeting noted “with regret the continued accusations and counter accusations by the two public officers, which are precisely avoidable and unnecessary, considering the important role of the Petroleum industry under their watch to the nation’s economy.”
ACF appealed to President Buhari to call the officers concern to order, adding that the Minister and the GMD should resolve their differences amicably in the interest of the oil industry and the nation.
Also, the meeting observed with concern the current poor conditions of road networks, rail trucks and other facilities due to the pressure on them; old age; lack of proper maintenance; and rapid growth in population without corresponding increase in infrastructure over the years.
It therefore called on government at all levels to intensify efforts by making adequate budgetary provision for the resuscitation and maintenance of the over-stretched facilities across the country to engender economic growth.
On drug addiction among youths, the communiqué noted the alarming rate of abuse among youths in the country, stressing that it is a disturbing and worrisome development.
The Forum stated that the figure of about 3 million youths said to be involved in illegal consumption of drugs would negatively impact on the future generations of Nigerians. Consequently, it agreed to set up a committee that will critically examine the remote and immediate causes of this menace and suggest practical solutions to the problem.
