The Mbula leadership has condemned the total marginalisation of the Mbula Nation from the proposed Bengo State, carved out of the present Adamawa State.
Leaders of the Mbula Community Elders’ Forum, at a press briefing held yesterday at the NUJ Press Centre in Yola, disassociated themselves from the proposed creation of Bengo State.
In a joint press statement signed by its Chairman, Group Capt. Thomas Kwem, and the General Secretary, Chief Elisha Nicodemus, made available to Tribune Online, the group said the present composition of Bengo State undermines the rights, heritage, and political representation of the Mbula Nation.
Part of the statement reads, “While we acknowledge the aspirations for administrative efficiency and economic growth cited in the proposal, the exclusion of the Mbula people from meaningful representation in the proposed state structure, underscores a persistent pattern of neglect and discrimination.”
Noting that there was no proper consultation process made with the Mbula Nation, the statement added, “The proposed Bengo state, which is widely circulating in social media was drafted without any consultation with Mbula Nation.”
This, according to the statement, violates the principle of participatory governance and democratic inclusion.
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Adding that the Mbula people are found in 11 districts in Demsa, Numan, and Shelleng LGAs, which are among the LGAs proposed for Bengo State.
Stressing that despite the high number of districts the Mbula people occupy, the proposal only has one LGA for the Mbula in the 15 LGAs proposed for Bengo State.
“We the Mbula Elders Forum, call for the dismissal of the current Bengo state proposal and demand for a comprehensive review for equitable representation for all ethnic group in the state.”
The proposed Bengo State has Numan as the state capital, while Borrong Local Government Council, predominantly for the Mbula people, is among the proposed LGAs.
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