Northern Governors Shun Major ACF Conference — Key Stakeholders Express Disappointment
Kaduna, Nigeria — Reality News TV
The absence of most Northern governors at a major Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) conference held in Kaduna has sparked concern among stakeholders, who described the non-attendance as “deeply disappointing” and “worrisome” given the critical challenges facing the region.
Muhammad Abubakar from the North-East expressed strong dissatisfaction over the failure of 19 Northern governors to attend the high-profile gathering, noting that only the Governor of Jigawa State was present.
Abubakar stressed that this period is the most crucial for all Northern governors to unite, especially as the region continues to grapple with escalating security challenges. According to him, the governors’ presence would have provided an opportunity to discuss new strategies for tackling insecurity and advancing development in the North.
He questioned the motive behind their absence, saying:
“If they are not at odds with the ACF, what stopped them from attending? This is the time the North needs collective leadership more than ever.”
Abubakar further noted that even leaders from outside the region, such as Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, demonstrated support for Northern development by attending the event. He stressed that Northern governors should show greater commitment in honour of the legacy of prominent leaders such as Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna, Malam Aminu Kano, Sir Kashim Ibrahim, and others who laid the foundation for regional unity.
Also speaking, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Katsina, who attended the event, lamented that some Northern states failed to send representatives entirely. He described the event as a strategic platform for generating new ideas to drive the region’s progress, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, economic growth, and security.
The conference recorded an impressive turnout of influential personalities and top financiers from across the North, including:
- Alhaji Aliko Dangote
- Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu (BUA)
- Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal
- Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd)
- Senator Abdulaziz Yari
- A.A. Rano Oil
- Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd)
- Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd)
- Senator Aliyu Wamakko
- Sultan of Sokoto
- Shehu of Borno
- H.E. Atiku Abubakar
- H.E. Arc. Namadi Sambo
- Malam Nasiru El-Rufai
- Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua
- Senator Abubakar Bagudu
- Sardaunan Dutse
- Senator Ibrahim Ida
- Wazirin Katsina
- Senator Ya’u Odi Kaura
- Senator Ahmed Makarfi
- Hon. Alhasan Ado Doguwa
- Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin
- Speaker Abbas Tajudeen
- Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda
- Barr. Solomon Dalung
…as well as several other distinguished leaders from across the country.
The event, held as part of activities marking ACF’s 25th anniversary, provided a robust platform for dialogue on strengthening security, deepening regional cooperation, and expanding opportunities for Northern youth.
Stakeholders at the gathering expressed hope that Northern governors would demonstrate greater commitment to such critical engagements going forward, stressing that unity and collective action are essential for repositioning the region.
Reality News TV — Kaduna