By Maryam Diallo
As Nigeria marks another anniversary of her independence, the Arewa Cohesion Initiative (ACI) joins millions of our compatriots at home and abroad in reflecting on our nation’s journey, the sacrifices that brought us this far, and the enduring responsibility we share to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In his independence anniversary message that he shared to news men in kaduna today, ACI Director General, Dr Abdullahi Idris said this anniversary offers us not only an opportunity to celebrate our national identity, but also to renew our faith in the Nigerian project and reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideals of unity, peaceful coexistence, justice, democracy and respect for the dignity of every citizen.
For us at ACI, he added, Nigeria’s strength has always rested on the bonds that unite her diverse peoples.
He said at a time when our nation faces significant economic and security challenges, we must resist the forces of division and work together to preserve the peace and cohesion of our country.
According to him, we are mindful that millions of Nigerians are currently facing serious economic hardship and urged governments at all levels to take further practical and urgent measures to ease the burden of rising living costs, strengthen livelihoods and restore hope and confidence among citizens.
According to him, ACI is equally concerned about the renewed bandit attacks in several parts of the North. Therefore, he added, government must be more alive to its fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property, while security agencies must strengthen intelligence, coordination and proactive operations to protect vulnerable communities.
Dr idris also said ACI was also deeply concerned by the reported death of 37 alleged illegal miners while in custody in Niger State adding that the organization
welcomes the decision of the Federal Government to investigate the incident and urged that the process be thorough, transparent and credible, with appropriate accountability where wrongdoing is established.
As the country prepares for next year’s general elections,he said ACI calls on all political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful, issue-based campaigns and refrain from hate speech, intimidation, violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
He further urged all relevant electoral and security institutions to ensure that the elections are free, fair, transparent and credible, and that every eligible Nigerian is able to exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or coercion.
He particularly appealed to the youth of Northern Nigeria not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political or communal violence. According to him, the future of the North is inseparable from the future of Nigeria.
Dr Idris added that on this Independence anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to building a peaceful, secure, prosperous and united Nigeria, where every citizen, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or region, can live with dignity and hope.
He wished all Nigerians a happyIndependence Anniversary
Signed:
Dr Abdullahi Idris
Director-General
Arewa Cohesion Initiative (ACI)
