Sixteen groups from the North under the aegis of the Joint-Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations, have called on serving National Assembly members of Northern extraction to stop the proposed relocation of key departments of the CBN and headquarters of FAAN from Abuja to Lagos.
The groups were Arewa Defence League, Association of Northern Nigerian Students, Arewa Youth for Development and National Unity, Arewa Young Women’s Rights Advocate Council, Northern Youth in Defence of Democracy, Arewa Radio and Television Commentators, Northern Youth Democratic Agenda, Arewa Youth Advocates for Peace and Unity Initiative and Northeast Youth Artisans Association.
The groups were Arewa Defence League, Association of Northern Nigerian Students, Arewa Youth for Development and National Unity, Arewa Young Women’s Rights Advocate Council, Northern Youth in Defence of Democracy, Arewa Radio and Television Commentators, Northern Youth Democratic Agenda, Arewa Youth Advocates for Peace and Unity Initiative and Northeast Youth Artisans Association.
In a statement by the Convener, Murtala Abubakar, the groups stated that the intervention of lawmakers from the Region in questioning the decisions at hand was their constitutional responsibility to protect the interests of the Nigerian people.
They explained that some of the lawmakers who raised their voices in disapproval on the subject matter should be commented.
“The commendation goes beyond a mere acknowledgement of dissent but a tribute to those who understand that their role as legislators is not just to represent but to safeguard the constitutional integrity of the country.”
“It is a commendable demonstration of commitment to the unity and balanced development of our nation. These representatives have rightly questioned the rationale behind these decisions, recognising the potential negative impact on regional representation, economic equilibrium, and the overall stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“We in particular salute the courage and impeccable demonstration of public service by Senator Ali Ndume. Reports in the media indicate that the group of Senators elected by the people of the North – and whom they represent in the Red Chambers, muted the idea of taking the Federal Government to Court on the matter.”
“While we respect the independence of the judiciary, we must emphasise that resorting to legal proceedings could be interpreted as a sign of procrastination. Our legislators hold a constitutional mandate to ensure that the Executive aligns its policies and programs with the constitutional principles that have been violated by the actions of the CBN and FAAN.”
“The urgency of the matter requires expeditious legislative action to correct these deviations from our constitutional ideals. While acknowledging the proactive stance taken by these legislators, the Northern Youth Organizations would like to go a step further by calling on our representatives in the National Assembly to exercise their full legislative oversight functions,” they added.
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