The Middle Belt Conscience Guard (MBCG) has said that the region also deserves a shot at the presidency at the next elections in return for its numerous contributions to the peace and development of the country.
The group noted that the zone has suffered neglect since the return of democracy in 1999 but it is yet to test power at the national level despite its massive role in the emergence of leaders.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, MBCG General Secretary, Elder Omale Ben Amedu, said a power shift to the south would not only be misplaced but a great disservice to the North-Central.
The Middle-Belt forum, however, distanced itself from individuals and groups from the region canvassing for power shift to the South.
Amedu said: “As a body, we are constrained to lend our voice to this debate in the national interest and, given the dynamics involved in such an enterprise, which might have unpleasant consequences if not carefully handled.
“As we may be aware, the polity is charged with various agitations, some of the appropriate content and some of the unreasonable content. However, what we must not fail to come to terms is the fact that given the geographical spread of the country, and its inherent peculiarities, power shift to the southern part of the country would not only be misplaced, it would be a great disservice to the North Central part of the country.
“It must be stated in unequivocal terms that the North Central part of Nigeria, which by nomenclature can still be regarded as the Middle Belt, has been integral to the country’s socio-economic development since the return of democracy in 1999.
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“It is also on record that the North Central region in Nigeria has always played the beautiful bride during elections. Its commitment to the Nigerian cause has never been in doubt during and after the elections in Nigeria.
“It, therefore, beats the imagination for any individual or group from the Middle Belt region to canvass for power shift to the South, while the Middle Belt/North Central has not enjoyed such privilege despite its numerous contributions to the peace and unity of the country without any form of grumblings.
“It suffices to add that the history book is replete with instances where the Middle Belt/North Central region held the ace during the elections. In its characteristics manner, it ensured a peaceful process in the overarching interest of the country. It is our considered view that those Middle Belters that are canvassing for power shift to the South are bereft of ideas because the Middle Belt/North Central boasts of very credible candidates with the capacity to translate our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities.
“We also wish to place it on record that the presidential aspiration of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State indeed has the blessings of the Middle Belt region because he is one of us and highly regarded for his exploits, not just in Kogi state but the entire Middle Belt/North Central region.”
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