The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has once again called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action in restructuring Nigeria and addressing the deteriorating living standards of Nigerians.
In a communique released after their meeting on Thursday, the SMBLF urged the Federal Government to establish true federalism in line with the 1960 and 1963 constitutions. They announced their intention to form a strategic committee to engage with the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to initiate this process.
The communique was jointly signed by notable leaders of the group, including Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, General Zamani Lekwot (retd), Dr Pogu Bitrus, and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien.
According to the body, “, without restructuring, the future of Nigeria and democracy remain bleak and must, therefore, be carried out immediately;
“Expresses great concern and total rejection of the trend where certain sections of the country are continually marginalized in the number of states, local governments, and even appointments into the Federal Executive Council.
“Particularly requests that the South-East be appropriately represented on the Federal Executive Council, similar to other Geo-Political Zones.
“Insists that Nigeria must always remain a country where all citizens and sections enjoy a full sense of belonging and equality.”
While stating that it would make its official stance known as regards Thursday’s Supreme Court’s judgment affirming President Bola Tinubu’s victory, SMBLF expressed some national concerns the Federal Government should act on speedily.
“SMBLF urges that efforts be redoubled to assuage the daily depreciating living standard of Nigerians;
“Calls on the Federal Government to urgently salvage the Naira, which continues to depreciate daily;
“Advises that the Federal Government should take urgent steps to release Nnamdi Kanu since a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered so. We believe that doing so will promote peace and security in the South East;
“That the Federal Capital Territory remains the national patrimony of all Nigerians; thus, condemns the present efforts by some to arrogate exclusiveness. This must be rejected and the promoters of such views should be called to order;
“Insists that President Tinubu takes an urgent look at the 2014 National Conference Report, concluded by 494 of the Country’s leaders, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Report on True Federalism,” the group noted.
Other dignitaries who were at the meeting included: General Zamani Lekwot rtd., former Military Governor of Rivers State, General Lawrence Onoja rtd., Ph.D., mni – former Military Governor of Katsina State, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ishaya Bamaiyi, former Chief of Army Staff, Chief Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, – former Governor of Anambra State, Chief S.N. Okeke – former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu,- former Chairman of NDDC, Chief (Barr.) Sola Ebiseni – National Secretary, Afenifere, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Igali, Amb. Okey Emuchay – Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, Senator Musa Adede, Prof. G. G. Darah, Solomon Asemota SAN, D.I.G. Potter L. Dabup (rtd.), Engr. Marcus Gundiri, Akin Oshuntokun, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Prof Charles Nwakeaku, Dele Farotimi, Prof. Echefuna Onyebeadi, Jonathan Tsaku, Mr. Mac Emakpore, Hon. Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, Hon. Bassey Ekefre, Jonathan Asake, Mrs. Elizabeth Jibrin, Chief Hon. Olivia Agbajoh Esq, and Dr. Ken Robinson, among others.
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