Courtesies:
To my compatriots of this esteemed organization.
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has among it’s aims, objectives and focus, to promote and foster the unity, stability, and peaceful coexistence among Northern communities while at the same time, represent and advocate for the interests of the Northern region in Nigeria.
We are also obliged to promote and encourage good governance, transparency, and accountability in the North, foster and support economic development initiatives that benefit the North and its people, serve as a platform for resolving conflicts and promoting peace in the region and also preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the North.
Based on the above laudable objectives, ACF is obliged to focus on issues affecting Northern Nigeria, including security, economic development, and social justice to promote the well-being and prosperity of Northern Nigeria and its people.
Kogi State is often considered part of the North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria, rather than being strictly categorized as part of the “Northern” zone in the broader sense that includes the North-East and North-West zones.
This classification is based on Nigeria’s geopolitical zoning, which groups states into six zones for administrative and political purposes. Kogi State, like other states in the North-Central zone, plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, with contributions to agriculture, mining, and other sectors.
Given this context, while Kogi is geographically part of the northern region of Nigeria, its specific classification within the North-Central zone reflects its unique cultural, economic, and political characteristics, especially as the gateway between the northern and the southern part of our dear country, Nigeria.
Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole face numerous political and economic challenges. However, political challenges specific to Kogi State may soon degenerate into clashes between different groups, often fueled by hateful memories and current political and economic rivalries, both of which pose a significant challenge hindering qualitative economic development and structural transformation.
It is for the above reasons, in addition to other challenges that I am presenting this position paper to this esteemed forum to please help advocate for a responsible and measured approach to addressing the challenges we face in Kogi Central Senatorial Zone.
Permit me, most Distinguished Chairman sir, to draw this August gathering to cogent issues that ACF should look into:
We are appealing to ACF to undertake s strong advocacy towards the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. If resuscitated, it will indeed be the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization and will go a long way in addressing the scandalous rate of unemployment particularly in the north and the nation in general.
The ACF should take a stand and condemn the opposition of some elements of South-South to the construction of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, with a total investment of $500 million in Kogi State which seems to stem from concerns over resource control, allocation and regional favoritism that its location redirects resources meant for the South-South region to a northern state, Kogi.
It’s sad that this scenario has not caught the attention of our representatives at various levels of governance, especially at the National Assembly, to respond to accordingly.
This same issue can be said to be the foundational cause of tensions between leaders, such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that have been linked to the five mini-LNG project in Ajaokuta which our daughter from the north, Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly facilitated the initiative which has led to her present travails, but regrettably not receiving adequate support expected from the north.
The Northern position on the Akpabio and Natasha dispute in the Senate should be that of a peaceful resolution, with our respected elders and figures of ACF to mediate the matter by calling on the Senate, as a matter of urgency, to call off the suspension which has deprived Kogi Central Senatorual District representation at the National Assembly.
Infact this has become more urgent when we view the facts on the ground, that the punitive measures imposed by the Senate, for whatever reasons, are illegal because it defies all logic and judicial precedents. It is even more worrisome that the victims of the humiliation of illegal suspension of Senators in recent times are all from the north.
Need to check heightened insecurity in the north, particularly in the North-Central where inter communal violence has resulted in thousands of deaths, destruction and displacements.
Mr. Chairman sir, the issue of farmers-herders clashes is a complex problem that has led to violent conflicts between farmers and herders resulting in many forced to flee their homes, with some living in IDP camps which poses a challenge to national unity, with increased rates of violence, kidnapping, and insurgencies.
The ACF should embark on peace building efforts to promote peace and stability particularly in the region.
Challenges of the non dredging of the River Niger. The River Niger is a vital waterway in West Africa, and its dredging is crucial for various reasons.
The lack of dredging can result in economic losses for communities and industries that rely on the river for transportation, fishing, and other activities. The ACF should press the Federal Government to give it priority similar to that given the coastal highway by addressing these challenges, so that the River Niger can realize its full potential and contribute to the economic development and well-being of surrounding communities.
Conclusion:
To my Distinguished compatriots, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) can play a pivotal role in addressing Kogi State’s pressing political and economic challenges. Given the state’s rich resources and investment opportunities, ACF’s intervention can facilitate dialogue among stakeholders to resolve conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence, addressing hateful memories and current rivalries that fuel avoidable crisis.
We are passionately appealing to ACF to help advocate for Kogi State’s interests and lend supportive steps to the current administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, by lobbying the government at the national level, to secure funding and support for legacy development projects in the north I earlier on enumerated, and also be more proactive in crisis mitigation in our dear state and the north in general.
By taking these steps, and in the spirit of our great leader and father of the north, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, (May God Almighty continue to grant him peaceful repose-ameen), ACF can help Kogi State unlock its potential, promote peace and stability to drive economic growth and development of the north.
While thanking you all for your attention, I hope these issues would be adequately reflected in the communique to be issued at the end of this meeting.
Avó nini.
Na gode kwarai.
Signed:
HRH. Sir, Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah, KSM Daudu, the Eyize of Ebiraland, Member, BoT, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)
No. 3 Pa James Ojiah Crescent, Agassa, GRA, Okene, Kogi State. Suite B10/11 1st Floor, Irama Plaza, Gwarinpa, Abuja-FCT
08033141925 (WhatsApp only) ojiahbarny@yahoo.com
