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2007: ACF and northern aspirants
Is it a mere mistake to speak of one North? May be the north is just a mere geographical expression, but quite an old one. Northerners have been conscious of their past in one Nigeria for a long time, and the differences within the north and within the context of one Nigeria. More than any other region, the north has been obsessed with its own self definition (real or imaginary), with ascertaining just what it is that binds “northerners” together and distinguishes them from their neighbours.
These claims, based on the obvious features of the north based on history and politics provide the modem drive to unity. But on closer inspection; the picture blurs. Recent happenings account for this. Events in the north have had quite a checkered past. In the 1960’s, to 70’s and up to 80’s it was a common practice to talk and think of one north. But in these times much more attention is paid to local, and ethnic’ interests first which further tend to generate parochial conflicts. And even when northerners did invoke the idea of north, they frequently had different things in mind. But there has always been mainstream north in history, defined by wealth, trade routes and established political kingdoms and another north defined by vulnerability to invasion and imperial domination.
Cutting across these, there has always been this distinction between the two. And it is along these, distinctions that skepticisms about the project of a united north has always been sound in recent times.
Then there is the important element of size. The dimensions of northern nationalities vary greatly from the almost larger majority Hausa. - Fulani to the tiny ethnic group of Waja, Bade, or Kilba, smaller groups have always been wary of being absorbed into the Pan-Northern Projects whether led by sheikhs, bishops, bureaucrats, military, new or old politicians.
For these tiny northerners, it is now quite a different ball game. But more even than size or history, the most significant fault line of all in the north today runs through all nationalities. Whatever is distinctively northern about the thought or tastes or practices of the region has always been” restricted to the elites. United by greed, resources and public support, such men have always felt northern, always having something in common with one another than with their less educated, ill-informed ethnic compatriots. The competition of the various elites of the north bears no relevance to the mass poverty, illiteracy, squalor and the degradation that have been the bane of the main bulk of the people of this region. Religion and religious sentiments are being used by these groups to boost their legitimacy base. Religious disturbances at times often coincide with the economic and political marginalisation of members of this class. The manipulation of ethnic and religious sentiments which have dogged the north, but have failed to take it out of the backwaters of poverty, illiteracy, squalor, injustice etc. are reflections of the elites’ insincerity of the project “One-North -One People”.
Although the ACF emerged as a re-action and a necessity, it emerged out of these circumstances. Already some of these or all of these parochial tendencies have come out clearly within the group. It is becoming obvious that the marriage is that of reason and not of love. The little harmony of heart and mind of ACF is hardly going to stand the profound differences of the elites concerning the building of this project.
The group affirmed that it will take a common destiny especially in political and cultural matters that affect, the north, these ideals are yet to be seen. Take for instance the reaction of ACF to RECEPTION 2000, organised to honour Vice President Atiku Abubakar. ACF claimed it was an attempt to undermine its influence and activities in the north. However, whatever might be the motive of the organizers of RECEPTION 2000, it was no doubt a unique opportunity to heed the call to unity in the north, even though RECEPTION 2000 was more of a celebration of the victory of the Yar’adua collectives and his People’s Front.
But amazingly, some members of ACF are now openly campaigning for IBB. To these elements within the ACF, eroding the influence of Buhari as represented in the Secretary General of ACF is a sine quo non.
By May, 29 2007 14 Governors across the north would lose their jobs, and it is a fact that non of them is going back to farming. While some will head for Abuja as senators Makarfi, Kure, Abdullahi, Akume etc would be part of the IBB game plan, with others like Bafarawa coming up as ANPP presidential candidates to dislodge the unfinished Buhari project and the final emasculation of the ANPP as an active political party. The design is to deliver north west (Buhari-ANPP stronghold) to IBB on a platter of gold. But maybe it is only a dream. However, with Saminu Turaki allegedly decamping to PDP, it’s only a matter of time for the other ANPP Governors to follow the same line except for Shekarau perhaps. This is logical, because by May, 2007 they will have no more use of ANPP and Sharia, and would surely become landlords in either Maitama or Asokoro, leaving their people more confused than they found them.
It is difficult to point the direction of other groups, which together formed the ACF. It is certain and clear now that the Turaki group is quite on course, and would remain so for quite some time. It is also clear now that the Northern Elders’ Forum, the Turaki Committee and the Unity and Development Foundation are all facing different directions in matters of 2007, especially with the perceived individuals involved in the race. The ACF, which was a fusion of all the three groups is now in confusion with the elites bent on creating disunity within it for their own selfish agenda.
Thus, ACF today is like a bad marriage, the partners bickering constantly while they resent their mutual dependency. For all its setback, the north is as lively, inspiring and unpredictable as ever, and is sure to remain so. What is needed is a political vision which would re-engineer the original “One-North Community” of real Northern statesmen like Gamji, capable of engendering dreams, replacing the current generation of politicians overtly concerned with their images and interest. In short, a renewed north, awaiting the appearance of a new Gamji. In the meantime, ACF needs to thread cautionsly.
Inuwa writes from Bashama Road T/Wada Kaduna.
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