By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The leadership of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACI) has issued a clarification regarding the recent press statement by its chairman, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, which has continued to attract wide public interest and debate among members, Arewa stakeholders, and Nigerians in general.

In a statement released by Dr. Abdullahi Idris, Director General of ACI Wednesday November 5, 2025, the organization described Bafarawa’s remarks as a “patriotic call on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the collective effort to reposition and secure the country.”

The group, however, noted that the statement was made by the former Sokoto State Governor in his personal capacity as an elder statesman, and not as an official position of ACI.

“As a group committed to peacebuilding, national unity and social cohesion, ACI aligns with the spirit of Bafarawa’s message which emphasizes oneness, collective responsibility, and constructive engagement especially at this critical moment in Nigeria’s history,” the statement read.

The organization clarified that supporting the government to succeed should not be mistaken for political alignment or partisanship.

“Our concern is not about party loyalty but about the survival, stability, and progress of Nigeria. Bafarawa’s statement does not amount to canvassing political support for Tinubu, APC, or any political party for that matter,” it stressed.

Addressing the issue raised by Bafarawa concerning reports of alleged threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against Nigeria over claims of Christian persecution, ACI described the matter as “deeply worrisome and a question of national sovereignty, peace, and international reputation — not a political debate.”

The group urged Nigerians to treat the issue as a collective national concern requiring unity and diplomacy rather than divisive rhetoric.

ACI, therefore, joined its chairman in urging President Tinubu to:

1. Intensify efforts to strengthen national security to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of faith or ethnicity, feels safe and protected.

2. Engage the international community diplomatically, particularly the United States, to clarify Nigeria’s position and present factual accounts of the country’s security realities.

3. Promote dialogue and religious harmony so that no narrative of persecution can be used to justify any form of external interference.

The statement further called on Nigerians across all divides to “stand together in defense of our unity and peace.”

“Constructive support, not blind criticism, is the mark of true patriotism,” Dr. Idris said. “Helping the government overcome challenges that threaten Nigeria’s peace and image is an act of national duty, not political loyalty.”

ACI also commended its numerous members and Nigerians who reached out to seek clarification or share their views since the initial press statement was issued.

“Together, we can uphold our national dignity, strengthen unity, and ensure that Nigeria continues to stand tall among the community of nations,” the statement concluded.