Leaders and elders from the South-East, South-West, South-South, and Middle Belt regions, operating under the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), have emphasized that Nigeria is a nation belonging to all its citizens, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds and political affiliations. They have called for immediate restructuring and the reinstatement of true federalism, in alignment with the original 1960 and 1963 constitutions.
In a communiqué issued after their national meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the SMBLF, represented by leaders of prominent regional socio-cultural organizations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Pan Niger Delta Forum, and the Middle Belt Forum, underscored the urgency of restructuring for the sake of Nigeria’s future and the preservation of democracy.
The group highlighted that specific sections of the country have faced ongoing marginalization, particularly in the distribution of states, local governments, and appointments to the Federal Executive Council. They supported the South-East leaders’ call for equitable representation on the Federal Executive Council, similar to other geo-political zones.
Furthermore, the SMBLF urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing that such action would contribute to peace and security in the South-East region.
The national meeting was chaired by Chief Edwin Clark and attended by various national leaders, including Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the President of the Middle Belt Forum, and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, the National Chairman of PANDEF, among others.
This unified call for restructuring and true federalism demonstrates the growing consensus among leaders from diverse regions of Nigeria, emphasizing the need for equitable representation and governance that reflects the country’s rich diversity.