The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, on Thursday, met in Abuja, and declared that they will not be supporting any Presidential Candidate from the Northern region of the country, for the 2023 Presidency, saying that it is the time of the South, based on fairness and even sharing of power,
Those at the meeting included Delegations from the 4 regional socio-cultural organisations: Afenifere (South-West), Ohanaeze Ndigbo (South-East), Pan Niger Delta Forum (South-South), and the Middle Belt Forum (Middle Belt).
The Leaders included: Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere), Prof. George Obiozor (Ohanaeze), Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum), and Chief Edwin Clark (PANDEF).
They issued a communique at the end of the meeting, signed by the Leaders.
The communique partly reads: “Arising therefrom, the meeting resolved as follows:
“That the extant Constitution and Structure of Nigeria are grossly flawed and lopsided, accordingly, Forum restates its demand for the fundamental restructuring of the country, by enacting a new Constitution that would enthrone equity, fairness and justice. It must be One Nation, One System;
“Cites that the Northern part of the country would have fully enjoyed the Office of the Presidency of the country for the full statutory period of 8 years by 2023, hence, the Presidency should rotate to the South;
“Therefore, unequivocally, and in full resolve, call on all political parties in the country to zone their Presidential tickets to the South;
“Advices that any political party that does not zone its Presidential ticket to the South, should not expect support from the four regions;
“Notes that the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fair and even sharing of power.”
Speaking further, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders also condemned the continued senseless killings of innocent citizens across the country by terrorists and criminals, especially in the North-West, calling on the President Muhammadu Buhari Federal Government and Security Agencies to redouble efforts to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
They cautioned the National Assembly to only give consideration to Bills that would promote equity, justice, peace, and national cohesion, instead of issues that will exacerbate conflicts and crisis in the country.
More news later…