ACF to Public Officials: Shun Ostentatious Lifestyles, Profligacy to Alleviate Hardship

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has urged public office holders  and elected government functionaries to shun ostentatious lifestyles and manage public resources to alleviate the current economic hardship in the country.

In a statement in Kaduna, by spokesperson of the forum,Tukkur  Muhammad-Baba, said those negative virtues by public official largely contributed to the recent nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance by ordinary Nigerians.

He said Nigerians were living in terrible condition, stressing that it be a grave mistake to ignore the condition of things.

“The existential conditions of citizens, ostensibly, the rationale behind the protests are dire and need urgent attention; and it will be a grave mistake to ignore this.

“Far   too   many   citizens   lack   education,   access   to   health   facilities, economic opportunities and basic necessities to live comfortable or bearable lives. Confounding the dire living conditions has been the challenges of insecurity in the country,” it stated.

The forum urged President Bola Tinubu, to immediately commence the process of engaging Nigerians on the state of the nation as he promised in his last broadcast.

The statement added that, “Such consultations ought to be well-organised and purpose-driven to include representatives of the people, community-based organisations, interest groups, professional and trade associations; regional interests groups, religious clergy…”