In a statement released on Sunday, Ango Abdullahi, convener of the
forum, said the issue of insecurity in the north is getting worse by the
day.
He added that the constant attacks by bandits and Boko Haram
insurgents are indications that the Buhari administration "has failed
woefully" in keeping citizens safe.
The statement reads: "Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is alarmed at
the rising insecurity of communities and their properties in the North.
Recent escalation of attacks by bandits, rustlers and insurgents leave
the only conclusion that the people of the North are now completely at
the mercy of armed gangs who roam towns and villages at will, wreaking
havoc.
"It would appear that the administration of President Muhammadu
Buhari and governors have lost control over the imperatives of
protecting people of the North, a constitutional duty that they swore to
uphold.
"The situation is getting worse literally by the day as bandits
and insurgents appear to sense a huge vacuum in political will and
capacity which they exploit with disastrous consequences on communities
and individuals."
Abdullahi said the north has never experienced this level of
insecurity, accusing Buhari of issuing threats and promises that have no
effect.
"As a responsible body, the forum has joined millions of others
in prayers and in giving advice and encouragement to all authorities
that have responsibility to protect our communities," he said.
"It is now time to say, enough is enough. Our people are known
for their patience and respect for constituted authorities, but all
governments must be aware by now that all Northerners have been pushed
to the wall.
"The forum is aware that some citizens are contemplating
peaceful protests, which are their constitutional rights, to draw
attention of President Buhari and all levels of authority to the plight
of people of the North.
"The forum urges all citizens to conduct themselves in peaceful
and responsible manner, and it urges governments to respect the rights
of citizens to express their opinions peacefully."
Abdulahi added that the NEF is consulting with other groups and
organisations that share its goals in order to come up with demands from
the government over the "unremitting assault" on the lives and livelihood of northerners.
The statement adds: "The Forum reminds President Muhammadu
Buhari that provision of security and pursuit of economic welfare of
citizens are the only two constitutional responsibilities of the state
which all leaders must achieve.
"Our current circumstances in the North clearly demonstrate
that President Buhari’s administration has woefully failed to achieve
either. This is unacceptable.
"We demand an immediate and comprehensive improvement of our
security in the North. We are tired of excuses and verbal threats which
criminals laugh at, and our fellow citizens see as a clear failure of
leadership which they see as part of them. Enough is enough."
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