Tackle Insecurity, Poverty, Northern Elders Tell President

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of support provided he will deliver on his electoral promises to secure Nigeria, tackle poverty and revive the economy.

In a congratulatory message to Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who were sworn in on Monday, the Northern elders reminded Tinubu that he has made a number of key commitments and promises to Nigerians, which they hope he would honour faithfully.

NEF, in the statement signed by its director of publicity and advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, also congratulated returning and new state governors, reminding them of the oaths they took on May 29, which must remain their guide in office until their last days.

The forum particularly reminder President Tinubu of his promise to take on insecurity, poverty and high-quality governance as priorities, just as it commended him for his vision of re-discovering Nigeria’s greatness which will be reflected in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Baba-Ahmed said, “Issues such as inclusion, ensuring justice and fighting corruption should be prioritised as well. Policies that compound poverty should be avoided, and where difficult decisions need to be taken, they should be accompanied with compassion, sensitivity and adequate public awareness.

“The forum will work with President Tinubu and Governors to actualize their promises to make Nigerians more secure and improve the economy to reduce poverty and desperation.”

NEF further noted that there are many cases before the election tribunals, some of which may go all the way to the Supreme Court.

It appealed to members of the judiciary to show the highest level of competence and integrity in the manner they treat these cases.

In a related development, foremost northern socio-cultural and political group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has urged President Tinubu to prioritise the use of best brains when recruiting his lieutenants into his nascent administration.

The newly elected chairman of the Forum, Chief Gabriel Yakubu Aduku, made the call in a press statement yesterday.

According to him, President Tinubu has a penchant for assembling eggheads when it comes to engaging political leaders and mentoring them to greatness.

The ACF chairman noted that that unique attribute of harnessing experts to drive development has engendered a lot of hope in Nigerians.

He said, “First of all, on behalf of the members of Board of Trustees, National Executive Council and the National Working Committee, I congratulate our new president, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu on his inauguration as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on the 29th of May, 2021.

“I also congratulate the outgone administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire Nigerians for yet another successful transition from one civilian administration to another.

“One thing you cannot take from the new president is his eagle eyes for locating the best brains to get the job done. And that’s mostly what it takes to move this country to its desired destination, which he is notable for. And so, with the cooperation of all Nigerians to pull in the same direction, the administration shall enjoy a huge success in the end.”

Aduku who also doubles as the current chairman, Board of Trustees, of Nigerian Institute of Architect (NIA) noted that having been in the forefront of the fight for the entrenchment of the present democratic dispensation, President Tinubu is well acquainted with the various challenges confronting the country and will in no doubt confront them headlong.

He therefore prayed God for good health and long life for the president who he described as a dogged fighter destined to pilot the affairs of Nigeria at this material time.