By Adeleye Kunle
A Northern group led by the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) threatened yesterday that no elections would be held in the North next year unless Nigerians held captive by terrorists were released and the region was free of attacks.
The group’s speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, issued the warning in a statement, lamented the victims of the ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna train, who have been held captive for more than 120 days and counting.
The group expressed regret that the terrorists holding these innocent Nigerians had the audacity to celebrate their heinous activities in a video depicting how they were molesting their victims, while the Federal Government continues to issue flimsy directives and excuses with no results.
“The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) shares the pain and anguish of those in captivity’s immediate families and friends, and we pray to God to intervene through His supernatural power and set them free.”
“The AYA observed that the increasing audacity of non-state actors, which resulted in the invasion of Kuje Maximum Prison in Abuja and the subsequent release of numerous arrested Boko Haram commanders, demonstrated that even Mr. President in the Presidential Villa is not safe.” This means that it is only a matter of time before these ragtag elements draw inspiration from Afghanistan and seize control of our country.
“We have observed that this insult to our country’s supremacy would not have been possible if Mr. President’s National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno, had not run out of ideas.”
“Having been appointed NSA more than seven years ago, we strongly believe he has nothing new to offer, hence the need for him to vacate the office or be kicked out by Mr President.”
“We boldly declare that our youth will not participate in activities leading up to the 2023 general election and the election itself unless our brothers and sisters in captivity are released and our communities are liberated.”
“In other words, politicians are welcome in our region only if we have every reason to believe that our forests are free of bandits and terrorists.”
“The Assembly wishes to urge President Muhammadu Buhari to recall the circumstances surrounding the bomb explosion in Kawo, which nearly claimed lives, and to crack down hard on terrorist elements who share the legitimacy of government with him.”
