2015: We saw list of northerners slated for inducement, ACF chair says

THE Arewa Consultative Forum ( ACF) yesterday confirmed seeing the list of some top Northern elders to be induced by people allegedly working for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re- election in 2015.

In a statement personally signed by the ACF Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, the Northern socio- political group disclosed that the so called list contains names of some of the most respected people in Northern Nigeria.

“We have however made enquiries within the government and have spoken with many of the people whose names are on the list and they confirmed to us that they know nothing whatsoever about it. No one has met them nor are they interested in meeting any one on the issue,” the statement read.

ACF stated, “Those seeking or advising the president to offer inducements in exchange for support are clearly taking the matter of the President’s re- election away from performance in office to something else. If that is the case, they will be well advised to leave Northern leaders out of it, because the so called list which we have seen indeed contain names of some of the most respected people in Northern Nigeria.”

Niger State governor and chairman of the Northern States Governor’s Forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, had earlier raised an alarm over a list crafted by President Jonathan’s men of some Northern elders to be induced before the 2015 general elections, a statement the presidency denied.

Jonathan’s aide Ahmed Gulak however denied the allegation and challenged the Niger State governor to mention the politicians that were bribed.

“What I can simply say is that Mr. President is not used to bribing people. We challenge Aliyu to name the people that were bribed,” he said.