The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has urged Nigerians to demand accountability from political leaders, particularly over insecurity, poverty, economic hardship and other challenges confronting the country.
ACF Chairman, Mamman Osuman, made the call in his message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Mr Osuman expressed concern over the displacement of citizens, disruption of economic activities, closure of schools and destruction of livelihoods caused by insecurity and other challenges.
He said some of the conditions confronting Nigerians were being perpetrated or aggravated by people entrusted with leadership and governance.
“Sadly, some of these painful and inhuman circumstances are perpetrated or aggravated by people into whose hands we have entrusted the responsibility of leadership and governance.
“This situation calls for sober reflection. Leadership is a sacred trust. Those entrusted with public authority must continually remember that they hold such positions in trust for the people and for the common good,” he said.
The ACF chairman said leadership should be treated as a sacred responsibility rather than an avenue for pursuing personal interests.
He also urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process.
However, he cautioned voters against making electoral choices solely on the directives of political parties.
Mr Osuman urged citizens to examine the records and policies of candidates, as well as the issues affecting the country, before deciding whom to support.
“Our votes should be based on individual analysis, conscience, judgment, and assessment of the candidates and the issues, rather than merely responding to the clarion calls or directives of any political party.
“The vote of every citizen is a personal expression of choice and a constitutional instrument for determining who should be entrusted with public responsibility.
“Let us therefore vote responsibly, peacefully, and conscientiously,” he said.
Mr Osuman also expressed concern over the possibility of election-related violence, urging political actors and citizens, particularly youths, to exercise restraint before, during and after elections.
He called on Nigerians to reject inflammatory political rhetoric, provocation and the destruction of lives and property.
The ACF chairman said differences in political opinions should not become grounds for hatred or violence.
“I therefore urge all citizens, particularly our youths, to exercise restraint and avoid locations, gatherings, and incidents that are known or reasonably suspected to be trouble-prone.
“No political contest is worth the loss of a human life. Let us reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, provocation, and the destruction of lives and property.
“Differences of political opinion should never become reasons for hatred, violence, or the destruction of our communities,” he said.
Mr Osuman said securing Nigeria’s future required collective responsibility from both the government and citizens.
