Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasonroti has cried out the Nigerian State had not had it worse since 1960bwhen the nation attained independence from Britishish colonial government.

The elder statement also urged the political class of the Nigerian state from the north and south to forge urgent partnerships to rescue the nation from escalating violence and deepening mistrust.

Delivering a goodwill message through Kole Omololu, Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, Fasoranti said the country was “confronted by unimaginable violence, declining public trust and the fraying of social bonds.”

He described the ACF Silver Jubilee as a moment for sober reflection. “We have never had to deal with this level of insecurity… This is a sad moment for our country,” he said.

Fasoranti commended the ACF for 25 years of service and advocacy, noting that it had remained a stabilising voice for the north and a platform for national dialogue, unity and cohesion.

He stated,“The founders of ACF set out to create a platform through which the voice of Northern Nigeria could be articulated with clarity, responsibility and dignity,” he said.

While raising concerns over insecurity, Fasoranti expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” had the potential to steer the country toward stability. “Our challenges, though immense and complex, are not insurmountable. What is required is sincerity of purpose, courageous leadership, and a renewed commitment to fairness and justice,” he added.

He urged northern and southern leaders to strengthen cross-regional cooperation built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. “Ours must be a partnership grounded not in suspicion or rivalry, but in mutual respect and shared responsibility,” he stressed.

Fasoranti also called for revisiting Nigeria’s foundational debates between 1953 and 1966, saying historical introspection was necessary to address current insecurity and safeguard the nation’s future. “It is time to reflect on what our fathers and leaders proposed and discussed… This has become urgent and imperative for the security of our people and the future of this country,” he said.

The goodwill message was delivered before a high-profile gathering that included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, business magnate Aliko Dangote, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and representatives of Ohanaeze, PANDEF, BRAC and other socio-cultural groups.

Fasoranti praised the ACF’s role in promoting peace, national understanding and democratic values over the past 25 years. He urged the forum to remain focused on finding solutions to the country’s mounting challenges. “May your discussions yield constructive resolutions that will help shape a more stable, secure, prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria,” he said.

He congratulated the ACF leadership and members on the silver jubilee milestone and prayed for divine guidance for leaders as the nation contends with insecurity and development deficits. “I pray that the next twenty-five years will bring greater achievements, renewed purpose, and enduring relevance,” he added. (Saturday Independent)