Kaduna, Kaduna state – The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has dispelled any rumour of internal rift within the organisation.
As reported by Vanguard newspaper on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the group insisted that its recent leadership change is normal.
Although strong in states like Kano and Kaduna, NEF’s area of focus centres on core northern states.
In a statement issued by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the incumbent director of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) of the NEF, the elders’ forum dispelled claims of internal conflict.
NEF’s statement partly reads:
Meanwhile, the NEF has announced the appointment of Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere as its new spokesperson.
Per Guardian newspaper, the appointment was approved by the convener and chairman of the board of trustees (BoTs), Professor Ango Abdullahi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, by the chairman of NEF’s management board, Al-Amin Daggash (Rtd), the forum described Professor Jiddere as a distinguished academic with a track record of excellence and commitment.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Jiddere expressed gratitude for the appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to NEF’s goals.
He said:
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that NEF expressed concern over the recent development in Kano state.
NEF expressed profound agitation over development in Kano, where emirates have been multiplied, and traditional rulers have been dethroned and replaced.
The elders disclosed that the recent events in Kano state were a clear example of the struggles faced by traditional rulers in the country.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
