The Arewa Progressive Forum (APFO) has slammed the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) over its comments on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, News About Nigeria reports.
Recall that the Northern Elders Forum criticised President Bola Tinubu’s approach to handling security in the region, stating that it regrets voting for the President in the 2023 elections.
The Northern Elders Forum also maintained that the North had learned its lesson over heightened security challenges under the Tinubu-led administration.
In a statement on Monday, the National Secretary of the APFO, Magaji Abbas Danbatta, slammed the Forum, mentioned that the Elders forum did not represent the Northern agenda for peace and national unity of the country which he noted is not negotiable.
The group maintained that the Forum was deviating from its responsibility of counseling and advising the government on national issues as it affects the region, adding that it was an error for any group or political association to come out openly and announce their regret over majority decisions.
The group further noted that they stand behind the Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who stated that the outburst of the Forum against President Bola Tinubu is as a result of their interest in personal gains rather than the unity and survival of Nigeria. The group added that they are not in tune with the current reality in the North.
The group further commended the unrelenting efforts of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of State (Defence), Bello Muhammad Matawalle, whose proactive measures have helped improve security in the Northern region.
