UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS US INVOLVEMENT: Nigeria's Stability Raises Concerns Over American Involvement, Says ACF's Tukur Baba

Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, reflects on the organisation's achievements, challenges, and future, as well as Nigeria's insecurity and relations with other socio-cultural groups, in a recent interview.

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The ACF has largely succeeded in achieving its objectives, according to Professor Baba, who notes that the organisation has stayed true to its vision and mission, serving as a forum for dialogue and collective response to shared issues affecting northern-based socio-cultural groups.

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The organisation's establishment as a credible, visible, and sound entity is a clear indicator of its success, with Professor Baba asserting that the ACF is indisputably the most eminent of such groups in the country, maintaining fidelity to its founding objectives.

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Despite its achievements, Professor Baba acknowledges that there is still much work to be done, as the issues confronting the organisation are dynamic and require constant reassessment and recalibration of strategies to remain relevant.

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The ACF has been able to foster unity among the Northern elite to a large extent, although some individuals or groups may feel their interests are not fully accommodated, leading them to express themselves through other platforms.

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Professor Baba notes that the ACF's anniversary organised towards the end of last year revealed the depth of concern for the North and the scale of commitment and investment required to address its challenges comprehensively.

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The anniversary also underscored the high expectations placed on the ACF to be more active and proactive in driving efforts to revitalise the North and its political economy, given its vast but underutilised human and material resources.

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The ACF views alleged US interference in Nigeria with regret, particularly when it is avoidable, and expresses confidence in the country's security agencies to address the challenge of insecurity.

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Professor Baba questions the motivation behind US intervention, citing history's sobering lessons from countries such as Vietnam, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and parts of Latin America, where such interventions yielded little success.

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The ACF enjoys cordial relations with other socio-cultural organisations in the country, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, and Niger-Delta groups, which were invited to and attended the ACF's 25th anniversary.

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Professor Baba believes that a viable Nigeria is still possible, despite the country's monumental challenges, and that what is required is principled, people-centred leadership, honest governance, unity of purpose, and a renewed commitment by citizens to hard work, patriotism, and national cohesion.