STATE OF THE NATION: Leaders Meet, Deliberate On National Issues ..... Raise Alarm Over Economy, Povrrty, Rising Insecurity, Push For Restructuring, Others

"The SMBFL expresses its concern that the Nigerian nation continues to remain fractured, divided, and retrogressing because of the faulty federal system being practiced."    

...... Calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who in the past had carved out a name for his efforts in fighting for true federalism in the country, to have the courage to lead the country into proper practice of federalism as obtains all over the world.

Concerned about the level of insecurity which is on a daily increase, national leaders in the country, penultimate week, met in Abuja, the nation's capital to deliberate on burning national issues begging for attention.

The national leaders, under the aegis of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum (SMBLF) met on Monday, 5th February 2024 under the chairmanship of the forum, Chief Dr. EK. Clark, OFR, CON. 

In attendance were Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere, Chief Engr (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR, OFR, CFR, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, National President, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, National Chairman, PANDEF.  

Others at the meeting include several  elder statesmen, former State Governors, former members of the National Assembly, former Ministers, and other Leaders from the respective zones.   

Top on the table of issues discussed at the meeting are; the State of the Nigerian Nation, the National Economy, and other related matters. 

The group, after exhaustive deliberation, reached the following decisions:

Restructuring:  

* The SMBFL expresses its concern that the Nigerian nation continues to remain fractured, divided, and retrogressing because of the faulty federal system being practiced.   

* The forum therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who in the past had carved out a name for his efforts in fighting for true federalism in the country, to have the courage to lead the country into proper practice of federalism as obtains all over the world.  

* Furthermore, the meeting calls on President Tinubu to set in motion the machinery towards eventual constitutional amendment by implementing the 2014 National Conference Report and the El Rufai Committee Report on True Federalism of 2018 set up by the APC government.

The Rising State of Insecurity:  

* The meeting notes with great concern that the entire Nigerian nation and its people have found themselves under what appears like a siege on their daily existence. 

* In all parts of the country, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent groups have taken over our cities, villages, and highways.

Most recently, Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, and Benue States including the FCT have become some of the most dangerous places to live in.   

* It is inconceivable that criminal groups can come in and out of our communities, yet those who are responsible for safeguarding society cannot get into the same hideouts or anticipate their activities.  

* The SMBLF reminds President Tinubu that the primary duty of government is to protect the life and property of its citizens and the buck stops at the table of Mr. President.  

* While appreciating the sacrifices of some members of the security services, the Forum calls on all those concerned to redouble efforts and restore peace to the entire country. 

* The worsening state of insecurity again reinforces the call for rejigging of the whole security architecture of the country; in particular the urgent need for more federal government interest and encouragement towards ongoing state and community policing efforts around the country.

* We vehemently condemn the setting up of an ethnic militia by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore a fourth night ago in Lafia, Nasarawa State. We hereby advise that the Federal Government should not condone actions that would force other ethnicities into setting up their ethnic armies as that will lead to national disintegration. We welcome the universal agreement for state police in all States of the Federation. 

The Economy and Worsening Standard of Living:  

* The SMBLF cautions, that the rising poverty in the country puts the very existence of the federation at great risk.  

* From its recent ranking as the “poverty capital of the world”, it is disheartening to note, that in the past few months, things have worsened as most Nigerians are virtually living on hand-outs. 

* In another respect, the Nigerian Naira has fallen uncontrollably to levels that were never imagined and the situation is getting worse daily.   

* The meeting therefore calls on Mr. President and his team to come up with practical solutions to address these problems and bring tangible results to Nigerians.  

The Nnamdi Kanu matter

* The SMBLF condemns the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu and its implication for peace and security in the South East.  

* The SMBFL therefore calls on President Tinubu to ensure that the rule of law is allowed to prevail on this matter and all court rulings on this matter are obeyed.  

* The release of Nnamdi Kanu is in the interest of the entire country as the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has promised that they will work with him to restore peace in the region.

The Situation in Rivers State

* The SMBLF expresses its concern that the political situation in Rivers State has been allowed to fester for so long.  

* While appreciating President Tinubu for his quick intervention in trying to broker peace, it is clear to all, especially with the court judgments and counter judgments that peace is far from the State.   

* The meeting therefore urges President Tinubu to re-examine the decisions that were taken to ensure they are in compliance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and are capable of bringing lasting peace to the state.  

The New Developments Around West Africa 

* The SMBLF discussed the developments in Nigeria’s neighboring countries, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, and Mali, and calls on President Tinubu to take all peaceful steps to restore unity within West Africa and ensure that the welfare of Nigerians in those countries is properly secured.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum wants to assure Mr. President and all Nigerians of his commitment to the unity and peace of the country built on the pedestal of equity, fairness, and justice.

The communique was contained in a statement signed by:

Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON

Leader

Chief Ayo Adebanjo

Afenifere

Chief Engr (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanwanwu, MFR, OFR, CFR

President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide

Dr. Pogu Bitrus

President-General, Middle Belt Forum

Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien

National Chairman, PANDEF