Kaduna (WorldStage Newsonline)-- The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a pan Northern socio-political organization, on Friday asked Southerners to disregard the three-day ultimatum handed down to Southern Christian resident in the region by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

The group noted that the Islamic sect had no mandate to speak on behalf of the Muslim in the region, their so-called ultimatum should be disregarded forthwith.

ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani in a statement issued in Kaduna said: “Following the bomb blasts and security challenges facing the nation, there have been ultimatums and counter-ultimatums that some people should leave their regions, zones and or states, it has become necessary for Arewa Consultative Forum to ask Nigerians and northerners in particular to disregard such ultimatum for what they are. This is because those issuing the ultimatum are minority groups who do not speak for the majority. For examples, members of Boko Haram are still in the minority who cannot speak for the majority of Muslims across the country let alone for the entire people of the North.

“Boko Haram cannot also speak for majority of Muslims in the North. In the same way, some few militants in Niger Delta cannot represent the majority of the people in Niger Delta region. This is because majority of Nigerians who belong to different faiths do not support such moves, precisely because they are capable of inspiring crisis of confidence leading to collapse of social contract among groups and among individuals with dire consequence on peaceful coexistence and national unity.

“Of course, there is allowance for minority rights in our democracy. But, like in all democracy, it is majority which has both its say and way, while minority only has its say. In the circumstance, therefore, any ultimatum from minority cannot prevail and so should be discounted in the interest of peaceful coexistence, national security and unity of the country.”

The ACF therefore advised the government to “try and rekindle trust and confidence among people that Nigerians are entitled to settle in any part of the country in pursuit of legitimate means of livelihood unmolested.

“As to the spate of bomb blasts still being reported in some parts of the country, it is still the position of ACF that such violence has never addressed grievances anywhere. Only constructive dialogues bring about reconciliations for peaceful coexistence. Nigeria would not be an exception. So those who make the mistake that violence can address their concern should stop forthwith and embrace dialogue which is the civilized, universal approach to solving conflicts."

Story by Ahmed Garuba (info@worldstagegroup.com)