North Not Afraid Of New Nigerian Constitution, Insecurity Is Killing The Region – ACF BoT Chairman

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Bashir Dalhatu, has disclosed the readiness of the North to get involved in discussing a new constitution for Nigeria.

Dalhatu, who spoke at a meeting of the ACF’s BoT meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, also dismissed suggestions that the North is averse to or afraid of a new constitution for the country.

According to him, the North is not afraid of a constitutional review but would use all legitimate means to defend the interests of the region.

Dalhatu added that previous attempts to amend the constitution were “designed to harm the north”.

“Whether or not the federal government sponsors one or more exercises at constitutional review, it is necessary to dispel the impression that the North is shy, or is averse to or afraid of any review of the Nigerian constitution,” he said.

“We must put all and sundry on notice that the north is ready, now and in the future, and will be willing to consider any proposals for changing the constitution as well as the administrative structure of Nigeria that may be put on the table.

“If and when the occasion arises, the north will surely use whatever is available to it in pursuit of its legitimate interests,” Dalhatu added.

The ACF chieftain also identified insecurity as the greatest challenge facing the North.

He lamented the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and other criminals, adding that whatever it takes, insecurity must be overcome in the North.

He said corruption is an impediment to the peace of the region.

“At the moment, there is nothing troubling the north more than insecurity.

“The historically quiet, peaceful and prosperous north is today ravaged by Boko Haram and other insurgencies, banditry as well as other violent crimes.

“There does not appear to be any end in sight. Because of the strife, food production is becoming increasingly difficult as farmlands are abandoned and the farmers are either killed or are fleeing to the IDP camps.

“Whatever it takes, this crisis has to end, and end quickly. Our survival depends on it.

“Deepening levels of poverty, destitution and hunger; growing joblessness especially among the youth and the twin calamities of almajiri and street children are all crying for solution,” Dalhatu said.