The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Wednesday declared its readiness to support the Federal Government to combat terrorism in the country.

Jerry Useni, the Chairman of the forum’s Board of Trustees, gave the pledge at the opening of ACF’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kaduna.

Mr. Useni, a retired general from the Nigeria Army, said that insecurity, violence, poverty and unemployment was a major worry to leaders in the region, and would support initiatives to tackle the problems.

He solicited the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, security experts, the business class, youth and women groups, media and other stakeholders in ending the problem.

The chairman, however, expressed concern over the proliferation of civil society organisations claiming to be fighting for the cause of the North.

Mr. Useni called for unity of purpose among the people in the region and cautioned against mischief.

“Unity and peace must be vigorously pursued by all of us to attain our collective desire, regional and national interests.

“Our strength lies in our diversity,’’ the chairman emphasised.

According to him, the AGM will consider reports from its various special committees on security, finance and secretariat, as well as amend section 6 of the ACF constitution to accommodate retired federal justices, as national leaders of the forum.

Mr. Useni urged the delegates to pay-up their membership dues to enable the forum implement its activities for the stability and development of the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by the ACF Chairman, Aliko Mohammed; his deputies, Sa’idu Barda and Joseph Waku; as well as the ACF Secretary, Musa Shehu.

Others are Mamman Nasir as well as national and state officials of the forum.

A communiqué is expected at the end of the meeting.