02/11/2025
PRESS RELEASE
DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE UTTERANCES BY ONE GEORGE UDOM AGAINST AREWA PEOPLE – AREWA YOUTH GROUPS DESCRIBE HIM AS AN IRRESPONSIBLE NATIONAL NOISEMAKER AND AGENT OF DIVISION
The Arewa Youth Congress (AYC) has received with shock and deep concern a careless and hateful statement made by one George Udom, where he claimed that “every Northerner is on the verge of becoming a potential terrorist.”
Such a remark is not only false, but dangerous and shameful. It shows a complete lack of understanding of who the Arewa people truly are a peace-loving, respectful, and patriotic people who have contributed immensely to the growth and unity of Nigeria from independence till today.
We therefore describe George Udom as an irresponsible national noisemaker and an agent of division. His words are not those of a patriot who wants a united Nigeria, but those of someone trying to set brothers and sisters against each other.
From the time of our founding fathers, Arewa has always stood for peace, justice, and unity. The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a son of the North, was known for his calm leadership and fairness to all Nigerians. It was he who introduced the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme that brought peace to the South–South region. General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) peacefully handed over power to a civilian government in 1999, restoring our democracy. General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), through his “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy, brought a wounded nation together after the civil war. These are the true faces of Arewa leaders who choose peace over conflict.
Even today, Arewa continues to produce men and women who work every day to protect Nigeria’s peace and security. General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), former Chief of Defence Staff, defended our territorial integrity with courage. Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, former Director-General of the DSS, kept our democracy safe with professionalism and discipline. Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), advances Nigeria’s intelligence cooperation and diplomatic standing internationally. Usman Alkali Baba, former Inspector-General of Police, strengthened national security and citizen trust. Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant-General of the NSCDC, remains a defender of unity and protector of critical infrastructure. And Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, stands out as a man of integrity firm, courageous, and patriotic. These are proud sons of Arewa who believe in one Nigeria.
Our business leaders also reflect that same spirit of unity. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, built his multi-billion-dollar refinery in Lagos, not Kano, proving that patriotism goes beyond tribe or region. His refinery employs thousands and supports Nigeria’s economy. Abdulsamad Rabiu of BUA Group continues to invest across the country, creating jobs for Nigerians from all backgrounds. These men remind us that Arewa is not just about politics, it’s about service and nation-building.
Our founding father, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardaunan Sokoto, worked side by side with Southern leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo to achieve Nigeria’s independence. He once said, “Let us not see ourselves as Northerners, Westerners, or Easterners, but as Nigerians united in faith, hope, and charity.” That message is as true today as it was then.
Calling an entire region “radical” is hateful and misleading. Insecurity affects every part of Nigeria from North, South, East, and West. Terrorists do not ask whether a person is Muslim or Christian, Northerner or Southerner. They attack everyone. To use insecurity as an excuse to insult a region is irresponsible and divisive.
We therefore call on Mr. George Udom to immediately stop spreading falsehood and hate. His words are a threat to our peace and unity, and the Arewa Youth Congress will not hesitate to take legal and civic actions if such divisive remarks continue.
Arewa remains a land of kindness, faith, and resilience where Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists live side by side in peace.
We stand by our commitment to one Nigeria, united, peaceful, and indivisible. We will continue to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation among all Nigerians.
We do not destroy; we build.
We do not divide; we unite.
We do not hate; we heal.
Amb. Hassan Sadau
Speaker, Arewa Youth Congress (AYC)
Majalisar Matasan Arewa
