Dr Bitrus Pogu is the National President of the Middle Belt Forum and one of the leaders of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF). In this interview with ISAAC SHOBAYO, Dr Pogu speaks on the demise of the Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, their qualities, and the vacuum caused by their demise.
The South lost two of its most influential voices in a single week. How do you feel, especially about the Middle Belt?
The loss is devastating, to put it mildly. These people were deeply involved, and they were actually responsible for facilitating that alliance between the Middle Belt and the South. Their departure at the same time has created a huge vacuum—a vacuum that will take time, and not just time, but careful selection and scrutiny, to find people who can fill it or even come close.
Both of them—Chief Clark and Pa Adebanjo—were leaders of repute. At any time, in any consideration, you would know that not just the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, but the whole nation, has lost a big reservoir of knowledge and people who could speak truth to power. Now, they are gone. For both the Southern and Middle Belt Forum and even the Nigerian government, we have lost a major voice of opposition. Many of the things these two giants did are things the opposition should have been doing, but the opposition often lacks the will or capacity. These men stepped in to fill that gap.
Let me give an example. In 2023, Adebanjo, the Yoruba leader of Afenifere, came out and said that for equity, fairness, and justice, the presidency should go to the East. He refused to support his own kinsman, set tribalism aside, and stood for nationalism—true Nigerianism. Chief Clark did the same. They showed us direction, and we followed it. Whether Peter Obi won or not, these two played a major role in showing Nigerians that there are still statesmen in this country—leaders who believe in Nigeria and its unity above ethnic or religious interests. We will miss them greatly.
They were known for their fight towards the restructuring of Nigeria, agitation for regional government, and the rest. Now, what happens to that struggle when these major voices are no more?
I said this when I first spoke after Chief Clark’s passing: the best honour this government can give to these generals of our political struggle is to ensure that Nigeria is restructured in a way that every Nigerian will feel a sense of belonging. That is the honour this government should give them—to ensure that the struggle for restructuring is not abandoned but pursued to actualisation.
These men played a vital role in bringing the South and Middle Belt together for policies that would improve life for all Nigerians. Their deaths are a major blow, but we must keep the movement alive.
You are one of the leaders of this movement. How will all these agendas be pursued now that two of the frontliners have passed on?
There are many young people who, through destiny or providence, have found themselves in positions where they must take on responsibilities that may seem bigger than them. But we believe that the Almighty, who took these leaders at this time, has a purpose for it, and He will grant us the wisdom to continue in their footsteps and do the needful. We will not allow the organisation to fall apart. We will continue to build understanding among ourselves for the benefit of Nigeria, ensuring that people believe in their identity as Nigerians rather than focusing on ethnic or religious divisions. The Nigerian agenda that these men stood for will continue, and by the grace of God, we will see it through—so that one day, a Nigerian from any part of the country will feel that he is a Nigerian first, without thinking about where the leader comes from. We want a time when people will think of Nigeria, not their tribe or region.
Some people say the younger generation is not ready. What is your advice to them?
It is not just about the young ones. The elders must deliberately mentor them. When you don’t have a strategy for mentoring the next generation, a void is created. But by the grace of God, many of us are realising the need for proper mentoring so that as one generation leaves, another takes over seamlessly, without leaving a gap. Our traditions play a role. In Nigeria, when elders speak, younger ones do not interfere. That is how we were brought up, no matter the tribe. But with proper mentoring, this gap will be filled, and we will see more young people developing a pan-Nigerian mindset and stepping up.
Look at countries like France, where a young man is president. It is not because he has a special brain. We have young, brilliant minds in this country, people with first-class intelligence, who can do the job. I believe that with time, they will step into leadership and continue to speak truth to power.
These leaders had a dream for a better Nigeria. How do you think that dream can still be pursued?
A better Nigeria is possible. Many of us didn’t support Tinubu, mainly because of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which, for whatever reason, was unacceptable to us. But now, looking at what he is doing, I believe he listens to wise counsel, and he is making adjustments as we go. Yes, the economic policies are biting hard, but he is adjusting. One thing I can say is that the security situation is improving. Places where people couldn’t travel before are now safer. There are still challenges, but I believe the armed forces are getting the right political backing now, and they are doing a better job.
The problem with the previous government was that when you spoke truth to power, it was like talking to the deaf. But at least, with this government, despite its faults, when you speak, they listen, and sometimes they adjust. It’s not easy, but I have more confidence that, with time, both the security and economic challenges will be overcome, and we will have a better Nigeria. I also believe there is a real possibility that this government will address some of the key issues that have caused division, so that every Nigerian will feel a sense of belonging.
What qualities should those in government learn from these two great men?
The main thing is that they were pan-Nigerian. They did not focus on their ethnic groups alone. People in government now must understand that they are there to serve Nigeria, not their tribe or religion. These two men stood for the Nigerian in all of us. They were not just thinking about their people—they were thinking about Nigeria. I already told you what Adebanjo did—refusing to support his own kinsman because he believed in fairness and justice. That is what statesmanship is about. If those in power today can learn from them, we will have a government that is truly Nigerian—a government that does not practice nepotism but represents the interests of all Nigerians. That is the legacy they have left behind, and I hope our leaders will follow it.
READ ALSO: Adebanjo, Clark, Amaechi, Yakasai and their strides
and then