Association of Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities (ASOMBEN) has kicked against the restructuring committee set up by the Northern Governors Forum saying the composition is lopsided and comprises of anti-restructuring agents.
The Northern Governors Forum at its meeting last week had set up Restructuring Committee headed by the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal to come up with acceptable and sustainable position for the northern region in consonance with provision of the 1999 constitution.
Speaking with Tribune Online on the issue, the Chairman ASOMBEN, Barrister Sule Kwasau said the Middle Belt had taken its position and stance on restructuring and made it known to all the governors and other relevant groups and stakeholders in the geo-political zone.
“The Northern Governors Forum is simply playing to the gallery, first, the composition is lopsided, and secondly, it has some anti-restructuring agents as members. In fact the committee is set up to work from answer to question.”
“Based on the composition, the likely outcome is known. If they are sincere, let them come up with liberal minded people across the region as members who will handle the issue base on the yearning of people.”
According to him, there are competent and sincere people outside the government who can do justice to the issue. “Why the governors? I have respect for the Chairman of the Committee, the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, he is a man of integrity but he can be dominated by others.”
He said the position of Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai is known adding that such people supposed not to be member of the committee, if the governors want a thorough and unbiased work.
Said he: “I am more concerned about the composition, there are many factors that need to be put into consideration, why the choice of Plateau State Deputy Governor as Secretary, why not the governor himself as members. No matter the outcome, the middle belt has taken position and the our governors know our position.”
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