ACF: We’re demoralised by some govs’ poor performance

Audu Ogbeh...ACF chairman

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed displeasure over the poor performance of some governors in the northern part of the country.

ACF, while reiterating that it was demoralized by the governors who have performed very poorly in the northern region, said the security conditions in the North are far from satisfactory.

The body did not mention some of the governors who have performed poorly.

The Forum, in a communiqué issued by the ACF Chairman, Audu Ogbeh, however, called for partnership with the state governments so that the region can make progress.

The communiqué, which was issued after the ACF’s NEC meeting, read in part: “While we are impressed with some by governments who have performed well, we are also demoralized by the governors who have performed very poorly.

“Consequently, we intend to strengthen our partnership with state governments of the North. It is only when our partnership is strengthened that we can make progress. There is also need to renew our partnership with members of the National Assembly from the North.

“We have always complained of late of the security situation in the North. We are still worried about this. The security conditions in the North are far from satisfactory. We urge the federal and state governments to embark on measures that will improve the situation.”

ACF, while commending the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, for infrastructural development in the state, said “Kaduna is wearing a new and beautiful face”.

The Forum added that Kaduna State has attracted direct foreign investment as it called on other state governors to emulate el-Rufai.

Speaking on the 2023 presidency, ACF noted that it would not endorse any presidential candidate as the body is not a political party.

Ogbeh, therefore, stated that ACF would engage presidential candidates and find out the programme they have for the North.

“As the country moves towards 2023, we of the ACF need to remind our members and all that we are not a political party. We do not have a candidate and will not endorse one in the 2023 election, North or South.

“When the political parties who have the exclusive permission of the Constitution to sponsor candidates choose a presidential candidate each, we shall engage the candidates and find out what programme they have for the North.”

TheStar