Apparently angered by the activities of the Boko Haram Islamic sect in the country, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday called on Nigerians to shun the Islamic sect and its threat, saying “Boko Haram cannot speak for majority of the Northerners.”
The ACF in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP SUNDAY and signed by it spokesperson, Anthony Sani urged Nigerians and northerners in particular “to disregard such ultimatum for they cannot speak for the entire north.”
It added that, “Following the bomblasts and security challenges facing the nation, there have been ultimatum and counter ultimatum that some people should leave their regions, zones and or states, it has become necessary for Arewa Consultative Forum to ask Nigerians and northerners in particular to disregard such ultimatum for what they are.
“This is because those issuing the ultimatum are minority groups who do not speak for the majority. For example, members of Boko Haram are still in the minority who cannot speak for the majority of Muslims across the country, let alone for the entire people of the North.
“Boko Haram cannot also speak for majority of Muslims in the North. In the same way, some few militants in Niger Delta cannot represent the majority of the people in Niger Delta region. This is because majority of Nigerians who belong to different faiths do not support such moves, precisely because they are capable of inspiring crisis of confidence leading to collapse of social contract among groups and among individuals with dire consequence on peaceful coexistence and national unity. Of course, there is allowance for minority rights in our democracy.”