Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) yesterday distanced itself from re-election plan of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group was reacting to newspaper publications that the arewa coalition has thrown its weight behind the President’s plan to retain power in 2019.
Spokesperson of the group Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, described the re-election bid as ‘insensitive’.
Suleiman in a press statement, issued in Abuja said the CNG has never discussed the politics of 2019 let alone take sides with any presidential aspirant.
He noted that the coalition is most importantly, “concerned with the more imminent and present danger of abuse of illicit drugs and other harmful substances that is currently ravaging northern households and Youth.”
He expressed surprise adding that even though their name was not actually mentioned throughout the report, the picture of their leaders was allegedly used to qualify the story.
According to him, “We became alarmed when the report in question boldly bears the photographs of some of our Coalition leaders whereas we are not in any way connected to it.”
He urged media editors to remain alive to the primary responsibility of verifying stories and ensuring use of right and corresponding photographs.
“We are currently deep in the struggle of saving the north from the scourge of drug abuse particularly among its youth and womenfolk,” Suleiman said adding that the Arewa Youth Forum which was allegedly responsible for the report is not part of CNG or affiliated to it in any way.
