Rising poverty endangers Nigeria’s existence — SMBLF

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has warned that the rising poverty in the country puts the very existence of the federation at great risk.

Following a meeting in Abuja on Monday, it observed that from the nation’s recent ranking as the “poverty capital of the world,” it is disheartening to note, that in the past few months, things have worsened as most Nigerians are virtually living on hand-outs.

The forum gave the assertion in a communique made available to the media on Tuesday, in which it also noted that the naira has fallen uncontrollably to levels that were never imagined and the situation is getting worse daily.

“The meeting therefore calls on Mr. President and his team to come up with practical solutions to address these problems and bring tangible results to Nigerians,” the communique said.

The communique condemned the continued incarceration of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and its implication on peace and security in the South East.

The SMBFL therefore called on President Tinubu to ensure that rule of law is allowed to prevail on this matter and all court rulings on this matter are obeyed.

“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is in the interest of the entire country as the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has promised that they will work with him to restore peace in the region,” it added.

On the situation in Rivers State, the forum expressed concern that the political situation has been allowed to fester for so long.

While appreciating President Tinubu for his quick intervention in trying to broker peace, it said that it is clear to all, especially with the court judgments and counter judgements that peace is far from the state.

The meeting therefore urged Tinubu to re-examine the decisions which were taken to ensure they are in compliance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and are capable of bringing lasting peace to the state.

The SMBFL also expressed its concern that the Nigerian nation continues to remain fractured, divided and retrogressing because of the faulty federal system being practised.

It therefore called on the President “who in the past had carved out a name for his efforts in fighting for true federalism in the country, to have the courage to lead the country into proper practice of federalism as obtains all over the world.”

Furthermore, the meeting called on President Tinubu to set in motion the machinery towards eventual constitutional amendment by implementing the 2014 National Conference Report and the Nasir el-Rufai Committee Report on True Federalism of 2018 set up by the APC government.

On the rising state of insecurity, the meeting noted with great concern that the entire country and its people have found themselves under what appears like a siege on their daily existence.

It added: “In all parts of the country, terrorists, bandits, kidnapers, armed robbers and other violent groups have taken over our cities, villages and highways. Most recently, Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Benue States including the FCT have become some of the most dangerous places to live in.

“It is inconceivable that criminal groups can come in and out of our communities, yet those who are responsible for safeguarding the society cannot get into same hideouts or anticipate their activities.”

The SMBLF reminded President Tinubu that the primary duty of government is to protect the life and property of its citizens and the buck stops on the table of Mr. President.

While appreciating the sacrifices of some members of the security services, the Forum called on all those concerned to redouble efforts and restore peace back to the entire country.

“The worsening state of insecurity again reinforces the call for rejigging of the whole security architecture of the country; in particular the urgent need for more federal government interest and encouragement towards ongoing state and community policing efforts around the country.

“We vehemently condemn the setting up of an ethnic militia by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore a forthnight ago in Lafia, Nasarawa State. We hereby advise that Federal Government should not condone actions that would force other ethnicities into setting up their own ethnic armies as that will lead to national disintegration. We welcome the universal agreement for state police in all States of the Federation,” the forum stated.

SMBLF said it discussed the new developments around Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Mali and called on President Tinubu to take all peaceful steps to restore unity within West Africa and ensure that the welfare of Nigerians in those countries is properly secured.

According to the communique, the Monday meeting was chaired by the National Leader of the forum, Chief Edwin Clark and had in attendance Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Leader, Afenifere), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide), Dr. Pogu Bitrus, National President, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, (National Chairman, PANDEF).