The Northern Elders Forum has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for failing Nigerians in critical sectors of the nation’s life.
The NEF said this on Sunday at a press conference on the State of the Nation in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The NEF is headed by Prof. Ango Abdullahi.
Others who are NEF members and were at the news briefing included a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alamin Daggash (retd); Secretary of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Abdullahi Usman; Ambassador Yahaya Kwande; Deputy National Chairman of NEF, Alhaji Bello Kirfi; retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Labaran Wurno; Alhaji Yakubu Shehu; and former Managing Director of the defunct Bank of the North, Hajiya Amina Yahaya.
In the text of the press conference read by the Director, Advocacy and Engagements of the NEF, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF said Buhari had failed not only the North but the entire country with his style of leadership.
It said: “The forum demands a thorough overhaul of the leadership of our security and public safety agencies, and the injection of higher levels of competence, integrity and accountability in the manner our troops and the police and security agencies deal with security challenges.”
The northern elders recalled that prior to the 2019 elections, they had warned Nigerians that Buhari lacked the will, the competence and commitment to make the country a secure and prosperous nation.
They said: “The forum regrets that by any standard of judgment, the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has failed the nation in the vital area of improving its security. Poverty, particularly in the North, and massive social security have worsened under this administration.
“The relationship between insecurity and poverty is fundamental, but the administration does not appear to have any idea on what will provide relief or solution.
“It is shocking that in spite of unprecedented consensus among Nigerians that the administration requires a new resolve, approach and leadership in the fight against the nation’s multiple security challenges, President Buhari appears either totally isolated or in deep denial over the result of his failures to secure Nigerians.
“With this type of mindset, it is difficult to see how President Buhari can accept the challenge to radically improve his handling of our security situation.
“Nonetheless, we believe that Nigerians must continue to raise our voices and organise through all legitimate means to demand that the administration address major failings in his perception of our situation and his response to our demands for our rights to security.”
Trending
- Zamfara: Passengers overpower bandits, kill one, seize two AK-47 rifles
- Aston Villa confirm new Unai Emery contract until 2027
- NFF to inaugurate sub-committees on Wednesday
- EFCC arrests Sirika over alleged N8b fraud
- Alleged fraud: Court admits nurse to N50m bail
- I regret wearing bikinis, nudity – Rihanna
- N80.2bn fraud: Yahaya Bello disregarded invite – EFCC Chairman
- Oyebanji hails Alebiosu’s appointment as acting MD/CEO First Bank