The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, comprised of leaders and elders from the South-East, South-West, South-South, and Middle Belt regions, has expressed grave concerns about the country’s future and the state of democracy. They insist on the urgent need for restructuring.
In a statement released after their national meeting in Abuja, the forum emphasized that the federal government must undertake the restructuring of the nation and reinstate true federalism, as originally enshrined in the 1960 and 1963 constitutions.
The communiqué stressed that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds and political affiliations. It warned that without restructuring, the future of the country and its democracy will remain uncertain, necessitating immediate action.
The forum voiced its grievances about the consistent marginalization of certain regions in terms of the number of states, local governments, and federal appointments. It also supported the calls from South-East leaders for fair representation in the Federal Executive Council, akin to other geopolitical zones.
Furthermore, the forum appealed to the federal government to expedite the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the belief that it would foster peace and security in the South-East and the nation at large.
The meeting convened leaders from various prominent groups, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Pan Niger Delta Forum, and the Middle Belt Forum. Led by Edwin Clark, the gathering also featured notable figures like Ayo Adebanjo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Pogu Bitrus, and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, among others.
