The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has alleged moves by ‘certain elements’ to weaken the north ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Besides, the forum said though the region was not opposed to the country being restructured, it would not be blackmailed into submitting to other interests who feel uncomfortable with a strong and united North.
The forum through its Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed in a statement, said it was aware of attempts to weaken the North by “interests that believe that this is their only path to success in the 2023 elections.”
According to him, these interests should know that the North would neither be blackmailed nor intimidated because it was capable of identifying and protecting its interests.
“Some of these interests seek to exploit our plural nature and deepen what they see as divisions,” NEF said.
“They will fail because northerners know that what unites us is a lot stronger than what divides us.
“Others create the impression that the North is opposed to the country being restructured along lines that will improve the quality of our union, ensure higher standards of justice, better security and progress for all Nigerians. These too will fail.
“The North is ready to discuss all elements of our co-existence, but will not be stampeded into submitting to other interests who feel uncomfortable with a strong and united North, or blackmailing us to adopt their versions of our future.”
