By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed worries with majority Nigerians whom, it noted, are caught up in difficult existential challenges ranging from dire economic difficulties, especially inflation to rapid deterioration in citizens’ standards of living.
The forum said in a statement at the weekend on the occasion of 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebration on Sunday that, “To the cauldron, we add insurgency, terrorism and banditry, problems more demonstrably acute for people in the Northern states of Nigeria.
“Most worrisome is the obvious ineffectiveness and determination of public policy to respond to the problems on the one hand and, on the other, demonstration of visible profligacy and reckless spending by highly placed public officials even as they frequently call for sacrifices by citizens”
In the statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba, ACF appreciated the efforts being made by various government agencies to confront the challenges facing Nigerians.
ACF said however, it is inescapable that the efforts are not nearly enough, adequate or effective because the challenges refuse to abate, as living conditions continue to deteriorate, and food inflation is at historic high.
According to the forum, the Naira remains wobbly and fumbling and loosing value, just as health, education, water and sanitation, energy and transportation costs, and host of others confront citizens daily.
“These are symptoms of serious malaise in the political economy should give sleepless nights to government officials at all levels, and ginger them for action”, the statement said.
ACF similarly observed a few weeks ago that the combined burden of the existential challenges is becoming too heavy to bear, stressing that such a scenario is a breeding ground for mass disillusionment, despair, discontent and angst which may result in social chaos and unrests.
“ACF remains steadfastly optimistic that the problems can be overcome with transparency, determination, sacrifice and the entrenchment of the principles of good governance by public officials”.
The forum agreed with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu about his recent observation that government at local, state and federal levels have responsibility for the amelioration of any challenges faced by citizens.
It stated, “All should rise to the occasion, transparently, in the light of increased fiscal allocations so that justice, equity and hope replaces despair and hopelessness. ACF calls for fervent prayers for Nigeria”.
“A peaceful, secure, vibrant and prosperous country is possible and achievable. ACF also solicits support and prayers for our security agents in their efforts to exterminate criminality in the country”.
The forum then felicitates with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and worldwide on the 1445AH (2024) celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival of sacrifice, fellowship and merriment, in appreciation of Almighty God’s Benevolence in His Gift of Life to humanity.
ACF wishes Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy land of Saudi Arabia a fruitful observance of the Arafat Day and urge all to include Nigeria in prayers for Divine Providence.
It noted with delight that Eid-el-Kabir celebrations clearly transcend merriments, as it provides ground for engaging in deep spiritual reflections.
