Arewa Think Tank, Others Fault Opposition To Tinubu’s Economic Policies

A group under the auspices of Arewa Think Tank in collaboration with 19 northern-based civil society organisations (CSOs) have faulted those opposed to some economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
After a two-day meeting on the state of the nation, the group faulted those kicking against the proposed relocation of some key departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos.

In a communique signed by the chief convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu and the leader of the 19 CSOs, Engr Daniel Maikudi, the group called on President Tinubu to call for a political conference to revisit all the constitutions of the country from independence till date, make comparison for amendment and forward to the National Assembly for approval as part of the solution to some contending national issues.
Some of the CSOs included Northern Network for Peace (NNP), Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), Arewa Solidarity Point (ASP), Northern Initiative (NI), and Middle Belt Support Group (MBSG).
Others are Gombe Front (GF), Borno Development Agenda (BDA), Kogi Patriotic Youth (KPY), Kaduna Discussion Group (KDG) and Katsina Forum (KF), amongst others.

The communique reads in part: “It is not true that the relocation to Lagos of the Headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are political moves aimed at marginalising a section of the country.
“These allegations are unfounded and baseless. The moves to relocate these offices are rather pragmatic administrative steps to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.
“So, we urge all Nigerians to be especially mindful of all persons and groups at home and elsewhere, who specialise in making false and inciting claims on radio, TV and social media, as well as in peddling altered videos and images for viral dissemination.

“The Arewa Think Tank in collaboration with 19 Northern based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed continuous support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the emerging threats of political consequences by some northern leaders and youths over the decision of the federal government to relocate five out of about 29 departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos.”
He said northerners should go back to the drawing board and see what former President Muhammadu Buhari did for them during his eight years in office, adding that he did nothing other than to run railway lines from Nigeria to Niger Republic. “The North is in dire need of genuine leaders who can stand and speak for the region when it matters rather than for selfish reasons as seen in recent times,” he added.