Leaders and elders of the South-East, South-West, South-South, and Middle Belt regions under the umbrella of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum have reiterated that Nigeria belongs to all citizens irrespective of their ethnic representation and political affiliation.
It also went on to add that the Federal Government must as a matter of urgency restructure the country and enthrone true federalism as was originally entrenched in the 1960 and 1963 constitutions.
The group added, ‘Without restructuring, the future of Nigeria and democracy remain bleak and must, therefore, be carried out immediately.’
This was made known in a communiqué released on Friday after their national meeting held in Abuja on Thursday; a copy of which was sent to our correspondent.
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Africa Today News, New York reports that the SMBLF was represented by leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere; the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; the Pan Niger Delta Forum and the Middle Belt Forum.
According to the group, certain sections of the country have been continually marginalised in the number of states, local governments and even in the appointments to the Federal Executive Council.
It noted that the calls by the South-East leaders to be ‘appropriately represented on the Federal Executive Council similar to other geo-political zones’ should be heeded.
The SMBLF also advised the FG to take urgent steps to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, adding that it would promote peace and security in the South-East.
The meeting which was chaired by its leader, Chief Edwin Clark, had in attendance several national leaders including the leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; President, MBF, Dr Pogu Bitrus; and, National Chairman, PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, amongst others.