The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has postponed its 20th-anniversary celebration slated for next week, following the recent Kaduna killings and the spreading Corona-Virus as reasons for shifting the event.
Earlier scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Kaduna, the anniversary celebration was expected to have President Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and President, United Nations General Assembly, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande as special guests.
Chairman, ACF Anniversary Organising Committee and former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu M. Wamakko, who announced the postponement in a statement, said it would be insensitive to go ahead with the celebration in the face of the recent killings and outbreak of Coronavirus.
He, however, said a new date for the event would be communicated to all in due course.
“The leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) regrets to inform members of the general public and most importantly our esteemed special guests the postponement of its 20th-anniversary celebrations.
“The decision to postpone the event was taken in view of our concern for the killings by a bandit and terrorist attacks in the North, particularly the recent one in Kaduna where the event was scheduled to take place. Furthermore, the coronavirus threat, which is now a global concern, could not be ignored.
“In view of the above, the leadership of ACF after due consultations with major stakeholders and members of the forum felt that it would be insensitive at this material time to go ahead with the programs.