COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF NORTHERN ELDERS AND LEADERS HELD AT KANO ON MONDAY 10th AND TUESDAY 11th MARCH, 2014 :- The Northern Elders Forum with support of some Northern Groups organized a meeting of northern elders and leaders in Kano on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th March, 2014. The meeting registered an unprecedented attendance of northern politicians, leaders, elders, women and youth that discussed the escalating insecurity in the north, the planned National Conference, the build-up to, and conduct of the 2015 elections and other matters related to the position of the north in Nigeria. 2. The meeting adopted the following positions : i. On escalating violence in the North : The meeting expressed major concerns of northerners over the seeming inability of the Federal Government, either through acts of omission or commission, to protect the lives and property of citizens. The shocking level of audacity with which the Boko Haram insurgents attack and kill people, destroy towns and villages, and commit unspeakable atrocities calls to question the existence of any political will to fight it, or the capacity of our military to successfully defeat it. The absence of any evidence that the Federal Government is pursuing other options to the current unproductive strategies is also very worrisome. That the meeting noted that the failure to implement past reports and recommendations by the federal government and the current levels of anger and hopelessness among the victim populations are alienating entire communities from the federal government. The meeting resolved to demand that the federal government improves its capacity to protect citizens in the North East and many other parts of the North as the most minimal evidence that it is serious about its responsibilities. The failure to bring about an immediate end to violence in the North East and in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kaduna States will be interpreted by people of the North as having been abandoned by the federal government. In that event, communities will be left with the only option of taking steps to protect themselves. II. The meeting expressed its sympathy with communities in the North East, and in particular, urges citizens to pray for the end of these damaging attacks on their lives and the return of of young girls abducted by the insurgents. Similarly, the meeting called on community leaders to work hard to expose those forces behind alleged herdsmen/farmers clashes in many parts of the North. iii. On the planned National Conference : The meeting observed that in spite of widespread criticism against the planned National Comference, President Jonathan has decided to organize it. The composition of the delegation to,this Comference, moreover represents a serious indictment of the administrations plan to organize a Conference that will address the complex problems of,the nation, because it violates all the principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness and equity. A Conference built on a foundation of injustice and contempt for all known values which should assure all citizens that it is not a design to weaken them will not produce any conclusions that are useful. The meeting noted that many of the delegates are honourable and patriotic Nigerians who will not lent themselves to a scheme designed to compound our problems as a nation. It noted that many of the delegates share concerns of other Nigerians that the absence of fairness in representation and the possibility that the Conference could be used for the achievement of narrow, damaging interests is not one which should be supported by the presence of many notable, credible and distinguished Nigerians. The meeting resolved to advise particularly northern delegates to demand that the obvious imbalance in representation between geo-political zones, religious and other interests be redressed before the Conference commences any business. It also advises all delegates to ensure that the Conference agenda is carefully chosen so that issues which may further threaten our peace, security, harmonious co-existence, the 2015 elections or which may offend the provisions of the constitutions are avoided. With regards to decision-making, the meeting advised delegates to seek to achieve full consensus on issues, or failing that, submit all positions and opinions to the federal government. Voting on any issue should be avoided, particularly in view of the possibility that majorities are likely to be contrived from the skewed composition of pronounced partisan interests. Finally, the meeting advises all delegates to be true to,their consciences, and to withdraw from the Conference as soon as it becomes clear that it will be used to injure the interests of Nigeria. iv. On Impunity and Corruption : The meeting noted that the absence of transparency in the management of our national resources has reached alarming levels. The endless controversies over missing funds are creating the impression of leaders who do not believe they are accountable to Nigerians anymore. The frustrations of Nigerians over the lack of information regarding the veracity of allegations, such as those of the missing $20 billion, are very worrying. The meeting called on leaders at all levels to be more sensitive to the demands of their offices, particularly the obligations to uphold the rule of law and requirements of honest and accountable leadership. v. On the 2015 Elections : The meeting noted that the 2015 elections will severely challenge the electoral process, given the very high stakes, including the possibility that President Jonathan will be a candidate. In the light of the high expectations of Nigerians that the elections will be credible and peaceful, the meeting called on all politicians to develop the highest levels of tolerance and a willingness to respect the will of the Nigerian people. vi. Establishment,of Relief Fund : The meeting resolved to establish a relief fund to assist victims of the crisis in the North, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Plateau,,Nasarawa and Benue. It was unanimously adopted. Kano, 11th March, 2014. NOTE : Kindly share them with all our friends and groups to draw the attention to all for this much awaited response to our plight. Thank you.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:56:44 +0000