Desmond Iwuchukwu
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) says the future of Nigeria can only be sustained on the basis of true federalism and respect for the autonomy of the federating units.
SMBLF said this in a communiqué issued at the end of its crucial meeting in Abuja.
The communiqué was signed by the Leader of the Group Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Leader of the Pan Yoruba Group Afenifere -Chief Ayo Adebanjo, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, National President, Middle Belt Forum-Dr. Pogu Bitrus and the National Chairman, PANDEF Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien.
The Group, in the communiqué, expressed shock at the escalation of killings, and the total destruction of means of livelihood in several communities across the country.
The Forum further condemned the alleged nonchalant attitudes of the outgoing governors of some states over the collapse of security in certain parts of their states.
“Notes with grave concern that the nation’s security agencies have continued to show unwillingness to decisively deal with the perpetrators of these monstrous acts, or rather, deliberately turned a blind eye to the atrocious occurrences, thereby exposing the country to a seeming state of war. It is shameful that non-state actors are allowed to openly tote dangerous weapons about and rampage the country unhindered.”
“Condemns, in unmistakable terms, the cavalier and totally nonchalant attitudes of the outgoing governors of some states over the collapse of security in certain parts of their states, which has continued to exacerbate the worrisome situation, and hopes their successors will show greater commitment to the welfare of their citizens who are the victims of this sad situation.”
On the outcome of the 2023 General, the Group also commended Nigerian youths for their courage and astuteness in expressing their interest in the future of this country.
The group further called on the youths not to become discouraged by some of the seeming outcomes.
The communiqué also urged the Judiciary to be aware that Nigerians are watching with keen interest the ongoing judicial processes at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal as well as various election tribunals across the country.
The Forum further cautioned the judicial arm, at all levels, to be mindful of the fact that the present process is a true test of the effort to build a country based on the rule of law and respect for our constitution.
