General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), a former military president, has stated that Northern Nigeria deserves influential supporters who will honestly work for its growth and preserve its interests.
The Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative, led by former governor of Sokoto State Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, paid IBB a visit at his Hilltop Residence in Minna, Niger State, on Wednesday.
IBB praised the initiative behind the movement and pledged his support.
He stressed the importance of a movement led by Alhaji Bafarawa and Dr. Abdullahi Idris, especially at this time in Nigeria’s history.
He asked Arewa cohesion leaders to be steadfast in their defense of both northern and national interests.
The former military chief stated that the new advocacy group for northern unity and good governance has developed at an important time when the region requires strong voices.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, noted in his address that the North requires a strong voice to protect its national interests, which is why the Arewa Cohesion Movement was formed.
Bafarawa: If there is peace, Nigerians will sleep well.
During a debate with journalists following his meeting with IBB about the nation’s state and the future of the North, Alhaji Bafarawa remarked that both the North and Nigeria urgently require peace and efficient democratic processes to satisfy the populace’s needs.
He underlined that holding any specific region liable for Nigeria’s issues is incorrect, and he urged authorities and citizens to work together to improve the country.
“We’ve come to check on our leader’s health, see how he’s doing, and get guidance on the current situation and how to bring Nigeria ahead.
“So, it is our responsibility to figure out what we can do to help ourselves, not the government. Nigerians will sleep soundly if the country is at peace. So it is our responsibility to figure out what we can do to help the north and the country as a whole move forward.
“We explained the reason for our visit, and he blessed us and assured us that he would continue to assist us in everything we did.
“We need this country to be united and peaceful. Democracy cannot exist without opposition. As a result, we must allow democracy to thrive. So, I don’t see why someone would claim that there is no opposition.
“I am currently on sabbatical leave. I have not totally abandoned politics. But what we are doing now, I am not a member of the APC, the PDP, or any other political party, including the coalition movement. I approach politics in a really good light, so that people realize what it is all about. Even if we are going to help someone, you must first create a plan to inform us about your concerns, and then we will see how we can help and support you in moving our region and country ahead,” Bafarawa stated.
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Bafarawa stated that it is incorrect to put the country’s issues on a specific location, stating that “if your head or eye is sick, it will effect your entire body. All of this nonsense about calling the North or the South makes no sense to a Nigerian. Whatever we do, we must ensure that Nigeria is one of them.”
Dr. Abdullahi Idris, Director General of Arewa Cohesion, noted that the program intends to promote unity and development in the North while also ensuring that suitable measures are implemented to support the region’s advancement.
He stated that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current security concerns, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to bring about positive reforms.
He thanked the former president for his encouragement and assistance with the cause.
