The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has released a statement questioning the authenticity and motives of recent protests held at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters in Abuja by a group identifying itself as the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA). In their press release, AYCF expressed concerns about the legitimacy of a Kaduna-based organization protesting alleged corruption involving former Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle, questioning their connection to Zamfara State affairs.
The statement claimed that AYCF’s investigation revealed the protesters were actually members of the People’s Democratic Party rather than APC affiliates, characterizing the demonstration as part of “orchestrated demonstrations” designed to tarnish political figures’ reputations. The youth forum specifically cautioned Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, whom they identified as the alleged sponsor of these protests, urging him to focus on governance rather than engaging in distracting tactics.
AYCF’s statement further alleged that Governor Lawal has received more federal government grants than former Governor Matawalle did during his entire four-year tenure. The organization suggested that “serial misgovernance” and “lack of accountability” in Zamfara State necessitate the imposition of a state of emergency and the replacement of Governor Lawal as “the only viable solution to restore governance integrity.”
The statement concluded by dismissing the APC-YLA protest as “misguided, lacking in authenticity” and called for “genuine dialogue and constructive action over sensationalism and division.” The press release was signed by Yerima Shettima, President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum.