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…….Urges ACF to Lead National Unity Dialogue
Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other regional leaders to use their moral influence to steer Nigeria back on the path of unity and accountability, warning that “Nigeria’s train has no reverse gear.”
Adebayo made the call during a courtesy visit to the ACF Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, where he paid tribute to late ACF elder statesman, Chief Audu Ogbe, and commended the Forum’s enduring role in national cohesion.
“Northern Nigeria is not for northerners alone. It is the crown jewel of the Nigerian state,” Adebayo declared. “The journey to nationhood we began in 1914 is now 111 years old, and there is no excuse for a U-turn. There’s no reverse gear in the vehicle of Nigeria.”
He said the ACF, along with other regional socio-cultural bodies such as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and Afenifere, must serve as stabilizing institutions to counterbalance political failures and rekindle a sense of national purpose.
“When statutory institutions fail, as they often do, there must be a fallback and that is why the role of the ACF is vital,” he stated.
Adebayo lamented what he described as “episodic governance,” where successive administrations abandon national development plans for short-term politics, leading to underdevelopment and growing insecurity.
“There is something that goes wrong after we take the oath of office. A seemingly wise person becomes immediately confused. Those in power today may not be wise, but their energy is being used for everything except solving Nigeria’s real problems,” he added.
The former SDP flagbearer called for a renewed partnership between the older generation and the youth to sustain the unity of the country.
“We didn’t have to be present at Lancaster House or during the civil war to love Nigeria. The prayers of our elders have been answered we have come, and we will keep this country together,” he assured.
Adebayo also urged elder statesmen to “speak out more” on issues of national concern, noting that their non-partisan voices carry moral weight.
“When politicians speak, it sounds biased. But when you, the elders, speak in unison, it becomes a matter of national urgency,” he said.
Responding, the Waziri Dutse and Chairman, Board of Trustees of ACF, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu, praised Adebayo’s patriotism and depth of thought, describing him as one of the few political leaders “thinking beyond regional lines.”
“Nigeria today needs people who think in a united manner,” Dalhatu said. “We are pleased to receive someone who shares our vision of placing Nigeria first before regional or partisan interests.”
He disclosed that the ACF will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Kaduna in two weeks, an event that will bring together socio-cultural groups from across the country to “place Nigeria and its welfare first and foremost.”
“We want this anniversary to mark a new beginning one where regional bodies like ours come together to de-emphasize sectionalism, regionalism, and ethnicity,” Dalhatu said.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to deepen national dialogue and promote unity across the country’s geopolitical divides.
