ACI Urges Northern Leaders to Prioritize Peace on International Day of Peace

Dr. Abdullahi Idris, FNIPR,
Director General of ACI, (center)

As the world commemorates the 2025 International Day of Peace under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACI) has issued a powerful call to action, urging Northern Nigerian leaders to confront the region’s deepening insecurity with urgency and resolve.

In a statement read by Dr. Abdullahi Idris, FNIPR, Director General of ACI, the organization lamented the persistent violence plaguing states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, and Benue. Dr. Idris described the situation as “avoidable conflicts” that have robbed communities of peace, prosperity, and hope.

“It is disturbing that at a time when our states are under siege from armed groups, our elites often find greater pride in staging flamboyant social ceremonies than in convening serious, solution-driven summits,” Dr. Idris said.

Dr. Abdullahi Idris criticized the perceived inaction of security agencies and the lack of decisive leadership, asserting that the Federal Government must move beyond rhetoric and prioritize the protection of lives.

He emphasized the need for a cultural shift in values, calling for a move away from the glorification of wealth and spectacle toward integrity, selfless leadership, and genuine action for peace. The organization also stressed the importance of rejecting division, promoting dialogue, and empowering communities to demand justice, opportunity, and dignity.

While acknowledging some efforts by government and security forces, ACI described them as insufficient given the scale of violence. The group pledged to intensify enlightenment campaigns across the North, champion good governance, and promote community-driven peacebuilding.

In a direct appeal, the ACI Director General called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors across the Northern region to abandon selective engagement and complacency.

“Visit the victims, comfort the bereaved, empower security agencies to act on credible intelligence, and demonstrate real leadership,” Dr. Idris urged. “History will not forgive inaction when action was most needed.”