The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has resolved to set up a Strategic Committee on Restructuring and expressed readiness to interface with the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all stakeholders to enthrone true federalism in the country.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting between leaders and elders of the South East, South West, South-South, and Middle Belt Regions represented by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Middle Belt Forum respectively in Abuja on Thursday, the SMBLF urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and obey court orders.
The communique jointly signed by Chief Edwin K. Clark – Leader; Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Leader, Afenifere; Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu – President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; General Zamani Lekwot (rtd.), Chairman, Middle Belt Elders Council, and former Military Governor, Rivers State; Dr. Pogu Bitrus – President, Middle Belt Forum and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, FNSE – National Chairman, PANDEF, called on the equal and adequate representation of the South East at the National level.
It condemned the marginalization of some parts of the country while insisting that Nigeria must be a country where all citizens enjoy a sense of belonging and equality.
On the 2023 presidential election, the forum stated that it would make a pronouncement on the Supreme Court judgment that brought to an end the 2023 general election.
The Communique partly reads: “SMBLF advices that the Federal Government should take urgent steps to release Nnamdi Kanu since a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered so. We believe that doing so will promote peace and security in the South East.
“That the Federal Capital Territory remains the national patrimony of all Nigerians; thus, condemns the present efforts by some to arrogate exclusiveness. This must be rejected and the promoters of such views should be called to order;
“Insists that President Tinubu takes an urgent look at the 2014 National Conference Report, concluded by 494 of the Country’s leaders, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Report on True Federalism
“The Meeting resolved to set up a Strategic Committee on Restructuring and expressed readiness to interface with the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all other stakeholders, on the enunciated issues.”
Others who attended the meeting include Chief Senator Cornelius Adebayo, former Governor of Kwara State; Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, National Chairman, PANDEF.
Others include General Lawrence Onoja (rtd.), former Military Governor of Katsina State; Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ishaya Bamaiyi, former Chief of Army Staff; Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State; Chief S.N. Okeke, former Chairman, Police Service Commission; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Chairman of NDDC; Chief (Barr.) Sola Ebiseni, National Secretary, Afenifere; Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Igali; Amb. Okey Emuchay, Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange; Senator Musa Adede; Prof. G. G. Darah; Solomon Asemota SAN and D.I.G. Potter L. Dabup (rtd.).
Also present were Engr. Marcus Gundiri, Akin Oshuntokun, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Prof Charles Nwakeaku, Dele Farotimi, Prof. Echefuna Onyebeadi, Jonathan Tsaku, Mr. Mac Emakpore, Hon. Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, Jonathan Asake, Mrs. Elizabeth Jibrin, Chief Hon. Olivia Agbajoh Esq, Dr. Ken Robinson, among others.
Source: Sahara Reporters
