The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep reservations with President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of incessant killings by armed bandits and other security-related issues across the country.
Specifically, the body decried the culture of silence surrounding security challenges and killings.
The Secretary-General of the Forum, Dr. Anthony Sani, made the views of the body known in an interview with The Punch published on Sunday.
The ACF scribe noted that though the security problems besetting the nation did not originate with the present administration, they have taken more deadly dimensions under it.
Asked if the ACF was satisfied with the Buhari administration so far, Sani said: “I am not sure if ACF is satisfied with all aspects of style of governance by this government. As a person, I do not share the culture of silence by the regime on matters of national importance particularly the killings going on in many parts of the country. This is because such reticence tends to give room for rumours to hold sway and speculations which are unhelpful. I also do not like the idea of government functionaries being at cross purposes and convey an impression of a divided Presidency which must stop.
“Also, the ruling party has the majority in the legislature and yet, the altercations between the legislature and the executive arms of government give an avoidable impression of the government at war with itself. This should also stop in favour of finding an appropriate balance between the principles of separation of powers and roles of political parties in a multiparty democracy. Another area is the fact that Mr. President puts undue premium on loyalty forgetting that loyal people can also disappoint, albeit, this is from his profession which puts loyalty over and above any other considerations for obvious reasons. I also do not share in the habit of being unduly slow in delivering on promises even in areas that have no visible constraints. For example, even though I did not (like) his sentiment when the President announced he would add more ministers a few months ago, I do not like the long time it is taking for the announcement to find expression. Yet, I dare say despite these shortcomings, which come with personality traits, I believe in the President as someone who can help the nation to navigate the turbulent weather and make the nation feel young again with the promise of glory days ahead.”