Tanko Yakasai's newly-formed Northern Elders Council (NEC) publicly endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan's 2015 re-election at the group's meeting in Kaduna. The NEC also rooted for Vice President Namadi Sambo's return as the President's running mate in the election.
There has been an insistent agitation by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), led by Aliko Mohammed, and Northern Elders Forum (NEF), led by Yusuf Maitama Sule and Ango Abdullahi, for the return of political power to the North.
The development has already triggered a political cold war, as Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum view Mr. Yakasai's moves as anti-North and assert that they are spearheaded by Jonathan and Sambo ahead of 2015.
The communiqué endorsing Jonathan and Sambo was signed by Ambassador Yusuf Mamman on behalf of Mr. Yakasai's group.
In an apparent effort to counter the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum, Mr. Yakasai stated:
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| Tanko Yakasai, Governor Yero and Ambassador Yusuf Mamman |
"We
will work alongside all Nigerians who wish to ensure that machinations of
anti-democratic forces in this country are frustrated. We reject intimidation,
threat and violence. Leaders and elders must lead by example. It’s unacceptable
for elders to make inciting and inflammatory statement capable of breaching the
peace. We say no to war-like and belligerent posture.
"Northern Elders
Council commends and fully supports the visionary and transformational policies
of President Jonathan and acknowledge the socio-economic strides of the
administration in all sectors. The Council pledges its full support and
commitment to work for the success of President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice
President Namadi Sambo."
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