Pan-northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has declared that the group stands for the peace and unity of the country, rather than its breakup.
ACF said it has therefore, invited leaders of regional socio-cultural groups such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere and South-South for dialogue over burning issues affecting the country.
This was made known in a communique read out to journalists by the National Chairman of the ACF, Chief Audu Ogbe, shortly after the NEC meeting on Wednesday.
The group also hailed the South-East leaders and governors on their stand against the violent agitation for secession by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
They also assured Nigerians of Igbo extraction of the safety of their lives and property while carrying out their legitimate businesses in the North.
The northern body also commended the governors of Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu, and that of Borno, Prof. Umaru Zulum, for their courage in the fight against terrorism, urging other northern governors to emulate them.
The communique read in part, “In the very near future, the forum hopes to meet with leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere and South-South leaders to discuss the lingering issues in the country that have tended to pitch ethnic and regional groups against each other.
“The forum expressed satisfaction with the recent stand of the South-East leaders and governors on the violent agitation for secession from Nigeria by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network.
“The forum (ACF) expressed satisfaction that the Ibo elders have finally disowned the agitators and called on the elders to take concrete measures to ensure that such agitations come to an end. The ACF notes that the South-East leaders called on northern leaders to protect their indigenes living in the North.”
