The Arewa Elders Forum yesterday disclosed that the North was prepared to engage other regions of the country in a peaceful dialogue to determine the future of Nigeria.



Receiving the harmonized reports of its committees on the state of insecurity and socio-political issues in Northern Nigeria yesterday in Abuja, the Forum in a veiled reference to the agitation for Sovereign National Conference (SNC), said: “The North shall no longer shy away from any dialogue or conference to negotiate the future of a united Nigeria, or even a divided Nigeria if that is the wish of its various component parts.”

The Forum under the chairmanship of former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir, also called on President Goodluck Jonathan to resume dialogue with the Boko Haram sect even as it raised fears that the bombings and destruction by the sect’s insurgency are beyond the capacities of local militants.

The Forum, in a communiqué read by the former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Paul Unongo, condemned in strong terms, the bombings that are becoming regular in the North and have claimed several innocent lives.

The elders argued in the communique, however, that the sophistication of the bombs as well as the selective choice of targets were beyond the expertise of local insurgents, urging the government to come up with a lasting solution to the menace.

“The sophistication in the professional way targets are chosen suggests a deliberate attempt to broaden the insurgency's effects with a view to creating widespread disaffection within and outside Nigeria.

“Mr. President himself suggested in a declaration that Boko Haram elements have infiltrated his government, including the security agencies of the nation. Our country and people deserve to know who these infiltrators are and the appropriate actions taken”, the group demanded.

According to the elders, “it is unfortunate that a mere skirmish that began in Maiduguri has been allowed to escalate to a level that it now threatens the corporate existence of the country. It allowed criminals like armed robbers, kidnappers and assassins to now hide under it to cause more havoc in the country".

The Forum lamented that Nigeria’s democracy remains very shaky because its operators at all levels have failed in its policy implementation due to corruption and indolence, just as it craved for a change from the current trend.

It also posited that the bottom-line of all the skirmishes is the pervasive poverty level in especially Northern Nigeria, as, according to it, the country now ranks among the poorest nations of the world and youths being most affected, have become the fodder being used in stimulating all the crises.

Other prominent leaders from the North at the meeting include Alh. Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, Alh. Falalu Bello, Sani Zangon Daura, Shehu Malami, Dr Paul Unongo, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, Alh. Bello Kirfi, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, Mrs. Hannatu Chollom, Amb. Yahaya Kwande, Amb. Yerima Abdullahi, Dame Pauline Tallen, among others.

Enlarged meeting of Arewa Elders Forum held on Monday, April 16, 2012. Attendance list

1. Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kere
2. Dr. John Danfulani
3. Sheikh Ahmed Lemu
4. Yusuf Maitama Sule
5. Dr. Umaru Dikko
6. Mohd Kabiru Umar
7. Sen. Ahmed Muktar Aruwa
8. Joseph D. Bagobiri
9. Engr. Al-Ameen Y. Lukman
10. Ibrahim Zakari Isa
11. Dr. Isuwa B. Dogo
12. Shehu Nuhu Tamburawa
13. Sheikh Umar Mika'il
14. Sheikh Mouktar Suleiman
15. Sheikh Hashim Tahir
16. Sen. Ahmed M. Makarfi
17. Moh'd Abdul
18. Sheikh Amir Ahmad Tijjani Ladan
19. Malam Falalu Bello
20. Rev. Emmanuel N. Diggan
21. Dr. Haruna R. Karam
22. Eyam Mathew Owojane
23. Professor Ango Abdullahi
24. Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa
25. Rev. Dauda Ajimu
26. Col. T.K. Zubairu (rtd)
27. Col. Habibu Idris Shuaibu (rtd)
28. Kawu Idris Hansara
29. Dr. Habibu Mun Gwarzo
30. Barr. M.B. Wali
31. Malam Ibrahim Shekarau
32. Sen. U.K. Umar
33. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau
34. Alfa S. Wali
35. Col M. Aliyu CON
36. M.S.A. Magani
37. Hon. Ghali Umar Na'Abba
38. Bashir Albasu
39. Professor Awwalu H. Yadudu
40. Alhaji Gidado Muktar
41. Qaribullahi Sheikh Nasiru Kabara
42. Bashir Danmusa
43. Sen. Umar I. Tsauri
44. Capt Bashir Sodangi
45. Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi
46. Hassan Tanko
47. Aliyu Gambo
48. Hon (Dr.) Iliya Dan
49. Mohammed H. Sa'adu
50. Sani Ahmad Daura
51. Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua
52. Mustapha Bukar
53. Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura
54. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari
55. Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir
56. Gen. Lawrence B. Onoja
57. Dr. Yima Sen
58. Alh. Mohd Bawa Rijau
59. A.B. Umar
60. Gen. Suleiman Barau Said
61. Dr. Sheikh Ahmad
62. Sen. Nuhu Aliyu
63. Col. Sani Bello
64. Col. Aminu Isah Kontagora
65. Major Gen. Idris Garba
66. Alhaji Mustapha Bello
67. Mrs. Hannatu Chollom
68. Saga Audu
69. Alhaji Sale Hassan
70. Amb. Bagudu Hirse
71. Barr. Solomon Dalung
72. Dame Pauline Tallen
73. Haj. Fatima Abdul Kyari
74. Hon. Paul Ukwenya
75. Hon. Idris Yakubu
76. Gen. Teldi
77. Sheidu Lasisi
78. Mohammed Aliyu Yakubu
79. Rtd. Brig. Bello W. Labaran
80. Shehu Malami
81. Justice Mustapha Akanbi
82. Dr. Amuda Aluko
83. Ambassador J.T. Kolo
84. Bishop D. Bakare
85. Alhaji Musa Gwadabe
86. Bashir Baballe
87. Dr. Ayuba Z. Musa
88. Isa Tijjani
89. Hon. Musa Tanko Abai
90. Amb. Moh'd Ahmad
91. Air Marshal Al-Amin M. Daggash
92. Alh. Moh'd Goni
93. Baba Gana Kingibe (CFR)
94. Malam Kalli Gazali
95. Dr. Shettima Mustapha
96. Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi
97. Nasir Isa Abubakar
98. Col. Jibrin Bala Yakubu, Rtd
99. Dr. Hassan Mohd Lawal
100. Abubakar Hussan
101. Hon Rakiya Haruna K. Idris
102. Dr. Umar Ardo
103. Gen. Paul Tarfa
104. Capt P.M. Thodal
105. Jibril Amir
106. Gen I.B.M. Haruna
107. Gen M.B. Marwa (rtd)
108. Ibrahim Ahmad Barankowa
109. Justice Tijani Abubakar
110. Mustapha Bako
111. Aliyu Maidanma
112. Bashir Mohd Dalhatu
113. M.T. Adamu
114. AVM Abdulrahman Garkuwa
115. Tijjani Inuwa Dutse
116. DIG Uba B. Ringim
117. Shuaibu Maigida
118. Isa Mayana
119. Lawal Abubakar
120. Suleiman Umar
121. Alh. Abdul Kura
122. Tukur Mohd Umalwa
123. Gen. Mohammed Ali Gusau
124. Mohd Aliyu Shinkafi
125. Amin Nahuche
126. Ibrahim A. Kofa
127. Alh. Ahmad Iliyasu
128. Dr. Safiya I. Mohd
129. Prof. Isa B. Mohd
130. Haruna Adamu
131. Dr. Ibrahim Y. Lame
132. Alh. Sanusi Maijama'a
133. Mohd Bello Kirfi
134. Amb. Adamu Aliyu, mni
135. Alh. Ahmadu Shuaibu
136. Abdulrahman Abubakar Tunau
137. Amb. Mohd Adamu Jimba
138. Dr. Mohd Shata
139. Alhaji Moh'd Babangida Wambai
140. Aishatu Mohd (Mrs)
141. Buba Yaro Mafun
142. Col. Musa Mohd (rtd)
143. Prof Idris Mohd
144. A.G. Abubakar AIG (rtd)
145. Hajiya Aisha Aukku
146. Gen. (Amb.) Timothy Shelpidi
147. M.A. Wakili
148. Ahmad Yarima Abdullahi
149. Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar
150. Sen. Adamu A. Waziri
151. Prof. B.G. Bajoga
152. Khalifa Hassan Yinu
153. Air Cdre Ibrahim Alkali, OFR
154. Malam Adamu Ciroma
155. Adamu Maina Waziri
156. Engr. Buba Galadima
157. Justice U.A. Kargo
158. M.M. Abdu
159. Murtala Aliyu Usman
160. Sen. Ahmad Baba Zuruq
161. Dr. Hassan Mohd
162. Amb. Yahaya Kwande
163. Sen.John N. Shagaya
164. Rev. Yakubu Pam
165. Col. Lawal Ja'afaru Isa
166. Maj. Gen. Bashir S. Magashi
167. Sheikh Sanusi Gumbi
168. Dr. Paul Unongo
169. Sen. Kanti Bello
170. Alh. Lawal Kaita
171. Yusuf Bello Mai Aduwa
172. Col. U.F. Ahmad
173. A. Rufai Othman
174. M. Bashir Aliyu M/fashi
175. Zanna Hassan Bojuma Fidan
176. Muhammad Rabiu Abubakar
177. Aminu Ibrahim Yusuf
178. Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmad
179. Saudatu Usman Albashir
180. Sen. John Wash Pam
181. Pastor Joshua Iosaa
182. Hon. Bulus B. Nyam
183. Sheikh Abubakar
184. Paul Babale
185. Eng Namai M. Musa
186. Alhaji Umar Gana
187. Ibrahim Adam Ibrahim
188. Ahmad Tijjani Ado
189. Halidu Adamu Maishanu
190. Aliyu Usman
191. Mustapha Salihu
192. Sharif Suleiman A.
193. Paschal Bafyau
194. Joel R. Binalli.SOURCE:peoplesdaily-online.com

It's only when the north is ready that GEJ will be ready. Shame.

I think its a bold step in the right direction.SNC and regional autonomy!The elders should know that alot is on there shoulders to turn things around regardless of getting FGN support.They must start with the Northern economy and people.Identify there many problems and wade in to ensure normalcy.
They should call others from the most remote areas to the cities to rise against the Boko Haram elements and criminal elements in our midst.
Its only where the building has a crack that the lizard can enter.The Northern citizens must be made to understand they hold there future in there hands and its up to them to build the North.Every hand should be made to come and add value.The same hands should be raised to protect her interest.Forget FGN/GEJ and do your part.The SW has survived with little support from the center.We must learn to walk on our own.Lets build the North from the inside.Set aside ethnicity,fanaticism and extremism.Work towards education and industrialization.

By saying that democracy is shaky,they are trying to make military rule look like the best option which will be a tactic support to the illusive view that only certain group can rule Nigeria.
Northern Nigeria is not the first to experience poverty and they can not use that to justify pogrom because before poverty in the north,pogrom have been in existence and they are blaming poverty because there is no Nzeogwu to blame again.Any society that justifies the use of violence and fear as a means of forcing people together will never know peace.Boko haram should be given the same treatment South Africa gave to 'Pagad' because the people that suppose to be complaining about poverty are those from the old eastern region of Nigeria.

That is how poor it is for a sheep to lead Lions.
A complete paradox.
If Nigerians, North, East, south or West do not rise up, Jonathan will withdraw into his shell when everything has fallen apart.
Chinua Achebe, we need you among many remaining leaders who still have Nigeria in their heart.

hmmm

This is bold step from the north,now it is left for the promoters of SNC to be serious not usual Lagos press conference.At least all the regions have agreed that,the entity called 'Nigeria' is a force marriage by British for their selfish interest.

This is a bold step from the north,now it is left for the promoters of SNC to be serious not usual Lagos press conference.At least all the regions have agreed that,the entity called 'Nigeria' is a force marriage by British for their selfish interest.

nice

nice one

mpumalanga: By saying that democracy is shaky,they are trying to make military rule look like the best option which will be a tactic support to the illusive view that only certain group can rule Nigeria.
Northern Nigeria is not the first to experience poverty and they can not use that to justify pogrom because before poverty in the north,pogrom have been in existence and they are blaming poverty because there is no Nzeogwu to blame again.Any society that justifies the use of violence and fear as a means of forcing people together will never know peace.Boko haram should be given the same treatment South Africa gave to 'Pagad' because the people that suppose to be complaining about poverty are those from the old eastern region of Nigeria.

People like you always think negatively of anything from the north.Even the shaky they said now has become an issue for you.Always trying to misrepresent there views on matters or issues.What is wrong with your kind.Where did they suggest a change of government.If only you open your eyes you will see they are referring to the tension that set the different peoples apart and not just democracy as you want to make it look.Atleast thank God you didn't even say it's a 2015 ploy to unseat the president.You should go get something to do.You definitely lousy and confused in decoding information as related to you.Better still you have an intensive listening/understanding issue.

^^
Do you mind the e'diot? Nairaland woulda been a better place without morons like him

Beaf!:
^^
Do you mind the e'diot? Nairaland woulda been a better place without morons like him

A self acclaimed wise man with an unshaped soul will use insult to make a point. I stand by what ever i wrote that pains you.

Please when is this conference holding?
We should make sure that there are international powers present during the conference.
We don't want another Aburi.

Methinks that this conference will hold soon because the North can now see that they may never rule again. lol

haka_nai: I think its a bold step in the right direction.SNC and regional autonomy!The elders should know that alot is on there shoulders to turn things around regardless of getting FGN support.They must start with the Northern economy and people.Identify there many problems and wade in to ensure normalcy.
They should call others from the most remote areas to the cities to rise against the Boko Haram elements and criminal elements in our midst.
Its only where the building has a crack that the lizard can enter.The Northern citizens must be made to understand they hold there future in there hands and its up to them to build the North.Every hand should be made to come and add value.The same hands should be raised to protect her interest.Forget FGN/GEJ and do your part.The SW has survived with little support from the center.We must learn to walk on our own.Lets build the North from the inside.Set aside ethnicity,fanaticism and extremism.Work towards education and industrialization.

Thank you. Very good step in the right direction. I expect Arewa to do the following

1. Make sure Abuja goes to Arewa

2. They should not force any middle beltern state as Arewa. It should be on their own accord

3. Stop Boko haram

4. find a way of generating money for Arewa. That's all. Leave the rest to God

Demdem: This is an excellent development. the Retardeen should utilized this opportunity by ignoring the selfish political class and commence the process of intense National dialogue. We are should sit down and discuss the basis and the terms of our existence (being together, if that exactly is what we want)I am tired of some people talking about oil, oil, oil and oil as if they worked for it before it got there.

The north has signalled their intention, am very sure the SW is ever ready, Biafra soldiers dey campe, Oil crazy people also wont mind. Middle-belters will also be taken care of. Honestly if the retardeen doesnt do anything about this now then i will be convinced that he isnt interested in true federalism. He is just another PDP looter.

I don't know but I think GEJ would not do it. It is very frustrating.

SNC is the best option for this nation as some are accused as parasite while others are accused a milk cow. We need to recess each region again

These northerners no dey shame at all, they should be covering their hands with shame.

Methinks that this conference will hold soon because the North can now see that they may never rule again. [img]http://www.demama.info/hjk[/img]

Any National Conference under any guise or name will fail. I say so with all confidence- It will only make the delegates richer and nothing concrete that can move Nigeria forward will come out of it!

Onlytruth: Please when is this conference holding?
We should make sure that there are international powers present during the conference.
We don't want another Aburi.

Methinks that this conference will hold soon because the North can now see that they may never rule again. lol

... Must u invite enemies to dictate your future for u and ur generations?? Huh! What's effect of international thief causes in sudan? U better rethink.

SS was shouting for SNC

Now everyone is ready for SNC, lets see what Retardeen say this time around

ODECHUKWU RETARDEEN convene a SNC now

HMMMMNNN,
LONG OVERDUE!!
Since they are ready, we have been ready long before now. Let us decide once and for all the future of this husband,wife relationship.

I MUST MARRY YOU!
NO! I WILL NOT MARRY YOU!

He he he he he he.

Had it been Mallam Buhari is d president,wil d north be canvassin 4 a SNC?

Why can't this nothern elders tell themselves the truth? Why not call those that promised to make nigeria ungovernable if GEJ becomes the president to explain to us about boko haram? Why must govt dialogue with a terorist(jihad) organisation with international conections? I don't think GEJ will suport SNC because he wouldn't want nigeria to breakup in his tenure and even if he wants, the senate must consent to that which might be difficult.

Kachi01: Why can't this nothern elders tell themselves the truth? Why not call those that promised to make nigeria ungovernable if GEJ becomes the president to explain to us about boko haram? Why must govt dialogue with a terorist(jihad) organisation with international conections? I don't think GEJ will suport SNC because he wouldn't want nigeria to breakup in his tenure and even if he wants, the senate must consent to that which might be difficult.

If retardeen doesnt convene SNC now, I hope the SS would shut up for life about anything called SNC.

if their man cant do it then that means they dont need it

Kachi01: Why can't this nothern elders tell themselves the truth? Why not call those that promised to make nigeria ungovernable if GEJ becomes the president to explain to us about boko haram? Why must govt dialogue with a terorist(jihad) organisation with international conections? I don't think GEJ will suport SNC because he wouldn't want nigeria to breakup in his tenure and even if he wants, the senate must consent to that which might be difficult.

oviously the nation would not break up during his tenure, it would take time. Thou their would be no need for an election until the future is certain that might extend his stay.

As much as the northern leaders can not caution their religious dogs, and settle that sharia matter,( as these and some other things are what is responsible for the call of a SNC from the south) BUT RATHER CALL FOR A SNC,shows they would rather divide the country than do away with the above mentioned. For these reasons i support the SNC.

Onlytruth: Please when is this conference holding?
We should make sure that there are international powers present during the conference.
We don't want another Aburi.

Methinks that this conference will hold soon because the North can now see that they may never rule again. lol

Methink you use your nyash to think...Check the list of the top 4 citizens in Nigeria and tell me who is majority. Presidency can never be with one group always!