…Cautions against profiling of bandits as terrorists
…Warns against release of Nnamdi Kanu
The Northern Elders Forum, (NEF), has said that the planned increase of fuel price will compound the already desperate condition of living of most Nigerians.
This is contained in a statement issued by the NEF’s Director, Publicity, and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
This is just as the Forum drew the attention of the Government to the hardship under which the vast majority of Nigerians live.
The statement said, amongst others, that “the Forum invites attention to the hardship under which the vast majority of the population lives.
“Increasing poverty levels and widespread insecurity demand that leaders should exercise extreme caution in taking economic and security-related decisions.
“Increase in the price of fuel, in particular, will compound the already desperate condition of living of most Nigerians.
On the proscription of bandits, the Forum cautioned against profiling and targeting all Fulanis as terrorists.
“In any event, the Forum cautions against profiling and targeting all Fulani as terrorists. Millions of law-abiding Fulani exist who should be encouraged to stay on the side of the law, while those who have chosen to continue on the path of criminality should feel the full weight of the law,” the statement note
On the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Northern Elders said there is no safe, constructive, or informed grounds for granting the request.
The Forum also advised that the National census, planned for 2022, should be postponed until after the 2023 elections.
“The integrity and success of a sensitive and vital activity such as this will be compromised by destabilised and threatened communities and proximity to another sensitive activity such as general elections,” NEF added.
