By Lawal A Dogara, Kaduna
Northern Socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, an influential Nigerian pressure group has told the Federal Government to urgently institute an investigation into the weighty allegations made by one Dr. Stephen Davies against the persons named in his interview with the international media in funding and sustaining the Boko Haram insurgency in the North east region and persons found to have been involved in such crime against the state should be prosecuted to serve as a deterant to others.
It would be recalled that, Dr. Davies had in an interview he granted Media including Sahara Reporters recently alleged the involvement of some prominent politicians, military officers and Government officials among the top sponsors of Boko Haram insurgency.
A statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim and made available to the press after the Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting of Arewa Consultative Forum ( ACF) meeting in Kaduna yesterday said the ACF discussed extensively the increasing spate of insecurity in the North especially in the states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where large Nigerian territories have been seized by the Boko Haram insurgents despite the emergency rule imposed by the Federal Government.
“It also discussed the allegations made by one Dr. Stephen Davis, an Australian hostage negotiator who spent some time in Nigeria on the invitation of Nigerian Government to try to secure the release of the Chibok girls that were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on the 14th April 2014.
“His allegations were contained in an interview he granted Media including Sahara Reporters recently. Dr. Davies alleged the involvement of some prominent politicians, military officers and Government officials among the top sponsors of Boko Haram insurgency.
“ACF and other similar organizations including traditional and religious institutions have on different occasions expressed concern on the security challenges in the North and it’s devastating effect on the socio- economic and political life of the people. The situation has escalated to the seizure of some portions of Nigerian territory by the insurgents with out any resistance from our Military and other security agencies.
“This situation is really grave and worrisome since there appears to be no counter action from the Military, the agency constitutionally responsible for the protection of Nigerian territory, it’s people and integrity.
“It is in consideration of this serious situation that the meeting resolved to issue the following statements; ACF condemns in strong terms the seizure of some local government areas in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states and the continuous capturing of more territorial areas of Nigeria by the insurgents.
“ACF expresses its disappointment with the inept attitude and leadership of the military in combating this menace that have resulted into mass killing of innocent souls, destruction of property and displacement of persons. It equally appeals to the Military and other security agencies to review their strategy, share intelligence and cooperation with neighboring countries, use modern weaponry and tactics to reclaim Nigerian territories presently under the control of the insurgents.
“ACF calls upon the Federal Government to urgently institute an investigation into the weighty allegations made by Dr. Stephen Davies against the persons named in his interview with the international media in funding and sustaining the Boko Haram insurgency in the North east region. Persons found to have been involved in such crime against the state should be prosecuted to serve as a deterant to others.
“ACF urges Nigerians to raise up and unite for good governance and peaceful coexistence irrespective of political, religious and other inclinations.
“ACF calls upon the government at all levels to provide adequate rehabilitation materials to displaced persons located in various rehabilitation centers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. It also commends the hospitality of the neighboring countries like Republics of Niger, Tchad and Cameroon that provided relief materials and accommodation to our people who fled to their countries,” the statement said.
