Resist mischief makers trying to divide Nigeria, Shettima tells ACF
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to reject attempts by mischief makers to sow division in Nigeria, calling on northern leaders to unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking while receiving a delegation from the ACF led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, at […]
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to reject attempts by mischief makers to sow division in Nigeria, calling on northern leaders to unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from the ACF led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Shettima said it was time for northern leaders to stand together in support of the administration’s efforts to steer the nation out of economic and social difficulties.
He warned that divisive elements were exploiting religious and ethnic sentiments to fragment the country, urging the ACF to resist such manipulation.
“We must continue to resist all attempts to divide us or stir mischief among us. Our future depends on unity, and unity must remain our creed,” the Vice President said.
Shettima explained that while some agitations stem from legitimate grievances seeking fairness, others are driven by greed and the desire to exploit chaos.
He said the Tinubu administration was committed to identifying genuine calls for justice and inclusion while isolating those seeking to profit from disorder.
..Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusivity, Shettima said, “Every group, every faith, and every voice has a place in our national conversation. We will never accommodate marginalisation. Our policies are designed to create opportunities for all through education, inclusion, and enterprise.”
.He reminded the northern elders that they remain key stakeholders in the Tinubu administration and assured them of continued partnership to advance the region’s development.
.“This government is yours. Your interests shall always find representation here, for I am one of you,” he added.
.Shettima noted that the North, once defined by stability and vision, now faces challenges of insecurity, mistrust, and economic decline, stressing that these issues must not be allowed to persist.
“We owe our people the duty of ending the cycle of killings and destruction and ensuring justice for victims of violence and deprivation,” he said.
According to him, the administration is transforming agriculture from subsistence to large-scale commercial ventures by investing in agro-processing industries, microfinance systems for smallholder farmers and MSMEs, and industrial zones in states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto.
On security, Shettima said the government’s coordinated operations had neutralised several bandit leaders and restored relative peace in affected communities.
Earlier, ACF Chairman Bashir Dalhatu commended the Tinubu administration for its bold reforms and praised Shettima for his dedication and support in advancing national development.
He said the ACF delegation was at the Villa to express solidarity with the government and invite the Vice President to the forum’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Dalhatu disclosed that the ACF plans to launch an endowment fund to promote socio-economic growth across the northern region.
He added that the anniversary would provide a platform for engagement with other socio-cultural groups to foster unity and national progress.
Also speaking, ACF National Executive Committee Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, said the anniversary would showcase the North’s potential and reaffirm its commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Other notable ACF members at the meeting included Sen. Ibrahim Ida, Murtala Aliyu, Amb. Ibrahim Mai-Sule, former IGP M.D. Abubakar (rtd), Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, and Lt. Gen. Abdurahman Bello Dambazau (rtd).