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The Arewa Youth Federation has disassociated itself from the demands for the sacking of the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar over the recent Kaduna bombing.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson Comrade Adamu Adamu, the group said it does not know the individuals who held a rally calling for Badaru’s dismissal.
While expressing regret over the unfortunate incident, Adamu lamented the political exploitation of security issues by certain politicians, particularly the use of fifth columnists who see the Minister as the stumbling block to their selfish interests.
The group, however, reiterated its support for this Minister’s efforts to eradicate insecurity and usher the nation onto a trajectory of enduring peace, stability, and economic prosperity.
The statement said: “As representatives of the Arewa Youth Federation (AYF), we gathered here today to emphatically disassociate ourselves and the entire Northern Nigerian youth from the recent demands presented by a group during a rally held in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the Hon. Minister of Defense or his sack by the President.
“It’s imperative to acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Minister of Defense in addressing the security challenges in the nation inherited by the current administration, particularly in stabilizing the Northern region which was severely ravaged by banditry activities. Notably, there has been a noticeable decrease in daily kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway which testifies to the progress made so far in addressing insecurity challenges across the country.
These proactive measures taken so far, have curbed the menace of bandits and crippled their capacity to carry out audacious attacks on villages as seen in the past thus providing a sense of security to the affected communities and the citizens at large. Regrettably, we recognize the unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State where civilians attending a Maulud gathering were mistakenly affected by an operation of the Nigerian Army that was originally meant to target bandits.
“The Nigerian Army and Federal Government have taken full responsibility for this tragic occurrence. Efforts have been made to cater to the injured ones in hospitals, while support mechanisms for the families who lost loved ones are actively being explored by the Federal Government in close collaboration with the Kaduna State government.
“It’s important to clarify that the Arewa Youth Federation remains the sole recognized umbrella body representing the interests and voice of northern youth organizations. However, we use this opportunity to condemn the political exploitation of security issues by certain politicians, particularly the use of fifth columnists by some northern opposition elements because they see the Minister as the stumbling block to realizing their political objectives.
They see this incident as a means of getting back at him and advancing their evil agendas against the Minister and the FG. These divisive tactics will only hinder our progress towards national stability and cause unnecessary distractions for the administration. We want to reiterate that the group behind the recent rally does not authentically represent the aspirations and interests of Nigerian youth but rather the interests of their selves and that of their paymasters. “
