The Rapid Response Committee of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has given courts in the country up to December 17 to conclude all suits on President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2015 presidential election. It has also declared that election must hold in every part of the country irrespective of the security situation with regard to the on-going Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the North.

ACF said in a communiqué of its meeting held yesterday at the Forum’s Headquarters in Kaduna: “With regards to the forthcoming general elections, the ACF has resolved that elections must hold under all circumstances and in every part of the country. It also stressed that all pending cases in court relating to President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan’s eligibility to contest in the Presidential election, must be concluded before the 18th of December, 2014, being the deadline for submission of names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This is extremely important for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”

Commenting on other burning issues, ACF said in the communiqué signed by its Secretary General, Col. JIP Ubah (rtd): “The meeting expressed its shock over the attack on members of the National Assembly by the Police on Thursday 20th November, 2014. It viewed the action as another manifestation of the impunity and disregard for the rule of law that have characterised this administration’s approach to governance. The meeting condemns this crude process of subverting the sanctity and independence of the legislature. This action is a violation of the constitution and an insidious conspiracy to scuttle our young democracy.

“The incident at the National Assembly illustrates the extent to which our democratic institutions are being compromised and abused by the Political Leadership in pursuit of narrow personal ambitions. It is becoming the norm for political leaders to give unlawful orders to the security agencies who take certain actions directed at political opponents.

“The meeting urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to allow the Police and other agencies of state to operate within the parameters of the constitution. No meaningful progress can be achieved unless we allow our institutions of state to grow and perform their functions without undue interference.

“The meeting further deplored the deteriorating security situation in the country, and the inability of the government to provide minimal security to the citizenry. Only this morning 25/11/2014, suicide bombers attacked a popular Maiduguri market, killing about 30 people and injuring scores of others. All these call into question the Federal Government’s capacity, willingness and sincerity in prosecuting the insurgency war and bringing it to a speedy end. It appears that Nigerians are being pushed to the wall to defend themselves in desperation.

“The meeting also deliberated on President Jonathan’s request to the National Assembly to extend the State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states for the fourth time. It observed that previous extensions of the State of Emergency had proved to be total failures and in fact made worse. The ACF therefore urges members of the National Assembly to totally reject the request from the Executive.

“The ACF as an umbrella body for the North feels highly disgusted and indeed embarrassed to note that Northerners actively serving in the Federal Government in very high positions not only remain passive but are collaborating in the mis-governance, ineptitude, financial recklessness and mindless corruption in the country. This should not be so, but posterity will certainly be the best judge.”

•Photo shows ACF National Chairman Ibrahim Coomassie.

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