The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed disappointment over the postponement of the general elections.
ACF lamented that the security chiefs, who earlier assured that they were prepared for the election to hold as scheduled, were now singing a different tune.
A statement by the forum reads: “Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) received with disappointment the INEC’s decision to re-schedule the elections slated for February 14 and 28, citing security challenges in the states of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and Yobe as the main reason.
“ACF appreciates the concern of the security agencies and Nigerians regarding the security situation in the Northeast region and the urgent need to put an end to the insurgency, which has been on for so long.
“However, the earlier assurances given to Nigerians by the security chiefs that elections would definitely hold as scheduled heightened the enthusiasm of Nigerians to look forward to the scheduled February elections.
“The political parties and NGOs embarked upon vigorous campaigns and sensitisation programmes on the need to a free and fair elections. Unfortunately, seven days to the election, the hopes of Nigerians were dashed by the same military authorities, despite INEC’s submission of their preparedness and its determination to conduct a free, fair and credible election.”
The group added: “ACF and indeed all Nigerians have no option but to accept the security reasons advanced by INEC and to have faith in our security agencies’ determination to bring an end to this insurgency.
“ACF particularly welcomes the collaborative effort of our neighbouring countries (Chad, Cameroon and Niger) to rid the Northeast region of the Boko Haram insurgency as promised by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
“The security chiefs should remember that as representatives of the Nigeria Armed Forces, Nigerians will hold them on their words.”
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