Niger Delta Congress, Middle Belt Patriotic Front Describe Nigerian Constitution as fraud, Demand a new, All-Inclusive Constitution

…Say ongoing constitution amendment in the National Assembly a mere facade meant to hoodwink the generality of the Nigerian masses

The Niger Delta Congress (NDC) and its Middle Belt counterpart, Middle Belt Patriotic Front (MBPF) have raised concerns over what they tagged “the deliberate neglect” of the two regions in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

The groups in a joint statement signed by Kemedengiyefa Opia, Secretary General of the Niger Delta Congress and Iorwuese Samuel, Secretary General of the Middle Belt Patriotic Front described the existing 1999 constitution as a document that embodies and entrenches injustice against the Niger Delta and the Middle Belt regions. It also condemned the degradation of communities in the Niger Delta and the massacre and occupation of areas in the Middle Belt.

The statement reads in full;

In prelude to the general elections, the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) and the Middle Belt Patriotic Front (MBPF) recognizes that there isn’t a comprehensive document that effectively captures the position of the Niger Delta and Middle Belt peoples as relates to our legitimate political interests and future. 

While at the foundation of this is a leadership failure on the part of elected representatives from our regions, we believe our precarious position within the Nigerian Federation as a result of the injustices we have suffered is well documented historically and known to every section of this country and the rest of the world. 

To this effect, the NDC and the MBPF held its Joint Conference on Tuesday 21^st of February 2022 to deliberate on these issues as concerns us after which the Niger Delta and Middle Belt Position and Recommendations on the Nigerian Federation was unanimously adopted by all ethnic nationality representatives present.

While this comprehensive document will be forwarded to the relevant media organizations, elected political representatives, foreign governments, sociopolitical and ethnic representative groups, and other international and local organizations in due time, we deem it necessary to share with the general public a summary of our position and recommendations.

Our position is that the Nigerian Federation is built on injustice; That the current 1999 Nigerian Constitution which was foisted on our people and the rest of the country embodies and entrenches this injustice by legalizing it; That this 1999 Nigerian Constitution has been the main pillar in the sociopolitical and socioeconomic subjugation of our people; That the recent 1999 Nigerian Constitution amendment being undertaken by the National Assembly is a facade meant to hoodwink the generality of the Nigerian masses; That the Niger Delta and Middle Belt peoples reject the 1999 Constitution in its entirety and its ongoing fraudulent amendment.

In lieu of the above our recommendations are as follows: that a New Nigerian Constitution be developed with the input of all ethnic nationalities and their representative groups to ensure that it captures the hopes and aspirations of the different constituent parts that make up this country. That on the issue of resource governance and ownership, that the Hicks-Philipson recommendations of 1951 be adopted; Area of Origin 50%, States/Region 35%, Central Government 15%. This will give our people the freedom to harness, utilize and benefit form our God given mineral resources while also benefiting the rest of the country.

Taking into consideration the economic effects this change will have on states and regions who have become completely dependent on the Central Government, we recommend a phased increment spanning at most 10 years. This will give the dependent states and regions ample time to adjust and put in place economic mechanisms and structures to sustain them.

In addition to these, we also call for the comprehensive examination of the Niger Delta environment which is now a threat to lives, and a follow up cleanup. We also call for an emergency  intervention in the Middle Belt to put a stop to the ethnic cleansing and land grabbing currently ongoing.

While the ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta and Middle Belt expect the Nigerian state to right its wrongs to ensure its corporate survival, the Niger Delta and Middle Belt peoples under the leadership of the Niger Delta Congress and Middle Belt Patriotic Front are committed to cooperating and will continue to make actionable plans and take actionable steps to secure and guarantee the economic and political rights and future of the Niger Delta and Middle Belt peoples.

God bless the Niger Delta and Middle Belt Peoples.

End….

Middle Belt Group Blasts Concerned Northern Forum Over Bill on Arabic and Islamic Studies

…Says Middle Belt never agreed to controversial Arabic and islamic studies bill

A group under the auspices of Middle Belt Patriotic Front has blasted the “Concerned Northern Forum” for alleging that it consulted 73 civil society organizations and the 19 Northern States regarding a proposed bill before the National Assembly for the propagation of Islamic Education in the country.

Middle Belt Patriotic Front (MBPF) said in a statement that stakeholders in the Middle Belt were not consulted about such a bill and would oppose its implementation due to the dishonest method employed by the sponsors of the bill on the Nigerian people. Esson Abalaku, the MBPF’s president, made the statement on Wednesday in Jalingo the Taraba state capital.

According to the statement sighted by Middle Belt Times, the president said;

“such a bill should be restricted to all core Northern Islamic areas and exempt the Middle Belt people who favor secular education.

“It is crucial that they be consulted in the case that the Middle Belt people think about switching to other kinds of education, and each state government release affirmative remarks to confirm this viewpoint.”

Speaking further in response to request for budgetary increase so that the board could operate similarly to other educational boards, MBPF said;

“Any group who would want such special provisions in their states could make do with the budgetary allocations specifically allocated for their state for such activities.”

The President added that it was “concerning” that the forum representatives wanted the bill to be passed quickly, especially since it would have an impact on areas where the majority of the populace felt uncomfortable about not having their views represented on such a delicate matter”.

The MBPF has urged all state governors, legislators, civil society organizations, and all southern and middle belt groups to thoroughly review the aforementioned bill before it passage into law.

Rampaging bandits abduct Plateau female councillor

A female councillor in Plateau State, Hannatu Bawa, has been abducted by bandits.

The state’s Kanke Local Government Area’s Kabwir-Fadar Ward is represented by the abducted councilor.

She was reportedly in her home on Kabwir-Dawaki Road in the council area when the bandits attacked the neighborhood early on Tuesday and kidnapped her.

The kidnapping of the female councillor was reported by a source who chose to remain anonymous.

The Source told Middle Belt Times that “It was around 3am on Tuesday that the bandits came and abducted the female councillor.

She was being taken hostage while she slept in her Kabwir home. Her captors forcedfully removed her via a window after forcing entry into her apartment through a window 

“Her door was still locked when community members gathered at her place later.”

The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, also confirmed the incident when contacted.

“The command is aware of the abduction of the female councillor in Kanke Local Government Area. We are on top of the situation because our officers and men have been deployed to the community and are working to rescue the victim from her abductors,”

Explosion rattles Kogi LG; government claims saboteurs behind attack

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed an explosion that rocked the administrative office of Okehi Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that unknown gunmen had stormed the secretariat around 5pm on Monday and planted the explosion that ripped through the administrative block of the secretariat.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, told our Correspondent on Tuesday that the explosion occurred on Monday evening.

Also confirming the explosion, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara, said that the incident had been traced to saboteurs who wanted to cause panic during the election to prevent people from coming out to vote

Aya said officers had been deployed to the area to ascertain the extent of damages.

He urged for calm and stated that adequate security personnel have been deployed to the area while normalcy has since been restored to the area.

Middle Belt Generals: General Theophilus Danjuma, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd) – others under NCEF endorse Peter Obi

General Theophilus Danjuma, a former minister of defense, and other elder statesmen through the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), has endorsed Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, ahead of this weekend’s presidential election.

The Christian Elders claim that it is important to take seriously the accusations that some areas were purportedly planning to use violence during the elections.

The NCEF urged Nigerians to elect officials based on their qualifications, skills, honesty, and general health since “a sick country demands hearty leaders.”

Its chairman, Dr. Samuel Gani, and secretary, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, signed a statement with the title “Resolutions towards 2023 elections: Think new” that contains this information.

Ret. Gen. Zamani Lekwot, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South), Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Prof. Joseph Otubu, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu, Ret., Dr. Kate Okpareke, Ret. Dr. Ayo Abifarin, , Ret. Hon. Justice James Ogebe, Ret. Elder

Others are Elder Nat Okoro, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, and Dr. Taiwo Idemudia.

“In view of the need to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and the culture of corruption, incompetency, lawlessness, and impunity, which assailed the country in the past 24 years is eradicated, NCEF encourages Nigerians to think new.

“Nigeria requires new leaders, new methods, new policies, and new political parties. In view of the above equity, justice, inclusiveness, and unity produce the preferred future for Nigerians.

“The National Christian Elders Forum is endorsing Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the Presidential candidate to be voted for. NCEF encourages all Nigerians of voting age to exercise their civic duty and ensure that they vote for capacity, competency, integrity, and good health. Nigerians, think new!” The statement reads.

Furthermore, the Elders disclosed that Nigerians are beginning to attach importance to capacity and integrity rather than the primordial emotional choices which afforded unqualified and incompetent people access to leadership positions.

“NCEF commends the Federal Government for taking steps to curb vote-buying during the 2023 elections. While the policy of currency change has brought some inconvenience to the people, the long-term benefit should be appreciated. It is crucial that vote-buying must be prevented at all costs to prevent unqualified and incapable persons from bribing their way into power,” the statement added.