Say: Buhari intimidating Nigerians with military

The Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Forum, comprising delegates from the South West, South East, South South and Middle Belt States rose from an extensive consultative session Thursday warning President Muhammadu Buhari to stop intimidating Nigerians with military invasion of some part of the country.

This is the largest coalition of Nigerians from various regions calling for a change in the structure of the country and also saying no to the method of frequent deployment of the military to parts of Nigeria by the federal government,

The Forum, which met in Abuja had in attendance elder statesmen like Prof Gerry Gana, Banabas Gemade, Ayo Adebanjo, Olu Falae, Dan Suleiman, Chief Edwin Clark, Mrs. Stella Omu, Idris Wada, Tunde Ogbeha, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, Ferdinand Agu, Chief Chigozie Ogbu among others.

While condemning the Python Dance operation in the South East geo-political zone, the forum equally told President Buhari to urgently initiate processes for the restructuring that will lead Nigeria towards confronting its structural challenges through the legal instruments of the National Assembly.

A communique read by John Dara, the elder statesmen, equally appealed to the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency revisit its decisions on restructuring and resolve the matter in a way that can create a new fiscal formula to Nigeria away from the current over dependence on oil and gas revenue

Condemning tagging the Indigenous People of Biafra as a terrorist group, the forum said: “In furtherance of the successful meeting of the leaders from the South and Meddle Belt of Nigeria held on July 15, to layout an orderly process of finding viable solutions to the rising agitations for a fair, just, equitable and balanced restructuring of our federal system, a follow up meeting was successfully held October 5, with delegates from the South West, South East, South South and from the Middle Belt States comprising, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba, Adamawa, Southern Kebbi, Southern Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Southern Borno and FCT.

“After an extensive consultative session, delegates resolved to issue the following communique; We remain convinced that as a multi-ethnic country Nigeria can only enjoy lasting peace, development progress and happiness under a federal system which allows all the Federating Units to develop at their own pace under full cultural expression. We therefore restate our commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as one entity under God.

“However, we firmly believe that Nigeria as is, is not a proper federation, as the structure is over-centralized, unjust and anti-development and therefore unacceptable. There is no gainsaying the fact that this is at the core of the many agitations across the country with some delving into separatist feelings.

“Nigeria must therefore be grateful to those of us speaking in demand of restructuring of the federation for the restoration of the Federal principles enshrined in the 1960 and 1963 constitutions as a middle course between those who want to sustain the present unjust structure that is driving Nigeria into the edge and consequently attracting agitations for break-up and those who are calling for break-up of Nigeria.

“Forum noted that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari in his Independence Anniversary broadcast made some good shift by admitting to the legitimacy of the demand for the restructuring of Nigeria.

“We call on him to move a step forward by initiating processes that should lead Nigeria towards confronting its structural challenges through the legal instruments of the National Assembly and the representatives of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

“Forum was full of regrets that the National Assembly did not make maximum use of its last constitutional amendments exercise by voting down devolution of powers and functions to the federating units. We believe tension would have gone down considerably across the country if the National Assembly has decided to vote for reform.

“We call on the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency revisit its decisions as promised by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representative and resolve the matter in a way that we can have a new fiscal formula that will move Nigeria away from the current over dependence on oil and gas revenue to a diversified economy where all section of Nigeria are encouraged to develop their abundant natural and human resources for regional and national development with all constitutional impediments removed.


“Forum deplored recent developments in the South East, which led to deployment of troops against agitation in the region by IPOB leading to avoidable loss of lives. We equally reject the hasty tagging of IPOB as terrorist organisation in the face of contrary evidence.

“We call on the federal government to always exercise restraint in the deployment of troops in quelling civil agitations, which is the responsibility of the police in any democracy. Consequently, we call on the federal government to reconsider similar operations that the Army is embarking on in the South West and South South zones, which are peaceful areas.

“We do not need these exercises, which are seen largely as sheer intimidation and barring of fangs. Under federalism, you do not deploy troops to the federating units without the invitation of the affected local authorities. The federal government must also employ dialogue above raw force in engaging dissension,” the Forum warned.

While expressing concern over insecurity in the country, the forum noted: “We are worried about the spate of systemic kidnappings, rapes and extortions across the minority areas of northern Nigeria, which has become a major threat after the militia herdsmen menace.

“The fact that these kidnappers are allegedly arrested without trials and non-revelation of their contacts/sponsors and details of their activities suggest possible shielding from the law and a sinister agenda behind their operations.

“In the same vein is the troubling spate of abductions, forced marriage and conversion of underage girls in non-Muslim communities in violation of section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
http://sunnewsonline.com/restructuring-largest-national-se-sw-ss-mb-coalition-meets-in-abuja/

let's see what comes out of this

Stupid act

lekejob:
t

T-boss

Beginning of the end of Fulani empire if we can all speak with one voice.

Will Jubril hear?
May be the ear infection was transferred to him during the over 100 days process of creating the double.
Cabal kindly listen before you go the way of Ghadafi and sons, Samuel Doe, Saddam Hussein, Mubarak etc.

Buhari has succeeded in disuniting Nigeria in less than 2yrs, just as we predicted. SMH!

Why do these politicians immediately after losing power start babbling about restructuring?
These are not credible men at all
Same set of fossilised human being who despite spending millennia along the corridors of power cannotbe attributed to any achievement.
When credible peoples come forward , we can talk.

PDP agenda

The last time Nigeria saw some development was during the regional govt, lets return back to that format.

Bari22:
PDP agenda

how is it a pdp agenda?

oduastates:
Why do these politicians immediately after losing power start babbling about restructuring?
These are not credible men at all
Same set of fossilised human being who despite spending millennia along the corridors of power cannotbe attributed to any achievement.
When credible peoples come forward , we can talk.

All of them had served their term finished under 1999 constitution, now they were looking for renewal!

Buhari's divisive attitude have given rise to all manners of agitation across Nigeria.Never have we ever had it this bad.Too sad.

We have a daft man presiding over this country,so I doubt if these meetings of leaders of various regions will make him act reasonably.

Buhari is a disaster to Nigeria and Nigerians and MUST be booted out no matter what by 2019

Bari22:
PDP agenda

just because your a yoruba muslim doesnt mean you should be dragging stupidity with arewa youths

Story as usual

NDỊ OJI ỌNỤ

Now that we have not heard from Nnamdi Kanu,what are the agents of Restructuring doing?

I mean the "intellectuals", "Untouts" and "Unmiscreants" that want Restructuring...

How do you want to achieve your Restructuring,is it by writing grammar?

The Army have created a space for you now...

Bring out all your Strategies,expertise and over sabi which Nnamdi lacks and let's see you now...

It's already past 3 weeks since the only man hindering you guys from achieving Restructuring,which is Nnamdi, was temporarily removed from your way,so that you can display your own know how,yet it looks like Nnamdi went away with your mojo...

You must come out and do something now...

Your time is ticking o...

JUSTICE4Nigeria:
NDỊ OJI ỌNỤ

Now that we have not heard from Nnamdi Kanu,what are the agents of Restructuring doing?

I mean the "intellectuals", "Untouts" and "Unmiscreants" that want Restructuring...

How do you want to achieve your Restructuring,is it by writing grammar?

The Army have created a space for you now...

Bring out all your Strategies,expertise and over sabi which Nnamdi lacks and let's see you now...

It's already past 3 weeks since the only man hindering you guys from achieving Restructuring,which is Nnamdi, was temporarily removed from your way,so that you can display your own know how,yet it looks like Nnamdi went away with your mojo...

You must come out and do something now...

Your time is ticking o...

Hundred likes for this post.

Bari22:
PDP agenda

abokiii who buy you phone

Expect more bombshells in coming weeks. Jubrin is just a vegetable.

Okay

JUSTICE4Nigeria:
NDỊ OJI ỌNỤ

Now that we have not heard from Nnamdi Kanu,what are the agents of Restructuring doing?

I mean the "intellectuals", "Untouts" and "Unmiscreants" that want Restructuring...

How do you want to achieve your Restructuring,is it by writing grammar?

The Army have created a space for you now...

Bring out all your Strategies,expertise and over sabi which Nnamdi lacks and let's see you now...

It's already past 3 weeks since the only man hindering you guys from achieving Restructuring,which is Nnamdi, was temporarily removed from your way,so that you can display your own know how,yet it looks like Nnamdi went away with your mojo...

You must come out and do something now...

Your time is ticking o...

lol this is true. Pple said his own no make sense but them no want start their own wey go make sense.

But on another note
My dear Igbos... dont fall for this restructure scam!
We can accept increased revenue sharing to the regions but not resourse control.
ND want to own naija oil alone... why should we help them achieve that when twice they betrayed the Biafra struggle?
SW want to own Lagos VAT alone? Why should we help them do that when they have always undermined us at every turn?
SE and MB are the disadvantaged parties here therefore resourse control doesnt benefit all four regions... only 2. We must find a common ground... that is increase in oil money share to new regional govts and devolution of power to them. ND can keep maybe 17% derivation

Bede2u:
lol this is true. Pple said his own no make sense but them no want start their own wey go make sense.

But on another note
My dear Igbos... dont fall for this restructure scam!
We can accept increased revenue sharing to the regions but not resourse control.
ND want to own naija oil alone... why should we help them achieve that when twice they betrayed the Biafra struggle?
SW want to own Lagos VAT alone? Why should we help them do that when they have always undermined us at every turn?
SE and MB are the disadvantaged parties here therefore resourse control doesnt benefit all four regions... only 2. We must find a common ground... that is increase in oil money share to new regional govts and devolution of power to them. ND can keep maybe 17% derivation

Essentially you are saying the Igbo speaking region doesn’t bring anything to the sharing table? They are parasites
The ND guys ( SS ) knows that all the attaché by force is not out of love for them but what you Ibos stand to benefit.
Jerry Gana has been in PDP top echelon for ages, he has never mention restructuring, just like virtually all the others bar Ayo Adebanjo.
I have no issue with restructuring of the Nigeria but it always like it’s when people are out of power without patronage that they remember the word - restructuring

How people support this administration without any prove is amazing...

These yeye elders I wonder why they not engage in the same mission during Jonathan regime.is because Jonathan gave them tax payers? which buhari deprived them.they are doing all things within their care to make sure this government failed woefully like Jonathan regime.

Nigeria fraudulent politicians and their mumu followers.

Lipscomb:
These yeye elders I wonder why they not engage in the same mission during Jonathan regime.is because Jonathan gave them tax payers? which buhari deprived them.they are doing all things within their care to make sure this government failed woefully like Jonathan regime.

GEJ failed Nigeria by riding the economy on 6% growth rate second to china in the entire globe? Pms (fuel) selling at leas 100 Naira? Dollar exchanges@ 180-210/$? Political appointment evenly distributed? Alimajeri school built? ....
I ask you, is ur head paining u?

Ur PMB account for 40% of Nigerian entire 57 yr debt within 2 yrs (check NBS) he has run nigeria from 6% growth rate to _growth rate(that is what they call resession). Between 1960 to 2015 (ie 55yrs)naira to dollar rose from N1/1$ to N200/1$. But within 2yrs of PMB it rose from N210/500$.

Again I ask you, are you okay?

I think you need to examine yourself if your brain still working perfectly you're telling me achievements of Jonathan which couldn't be visible? Shame Gej riding the economy on 6% growth after China? Yet your people still crying for sideline? Stop propaganda .

wyt:


GEJ failed Nigeria by riding the economy on 6% growth rate second to china in the entire globe? Pms (fuel) selling at leas 100 Naira? Dollar exchanges@ 180-210/$? Political appointment evenly distributed? Alimajeri school built? ....
I ask you, is ur head paining u?

Ur PMB account for 40% of Nigerian entire 57 yr debt within 2 yrs (check NBS) he has run nigeria from 6% growth rate to _growth rate(that is what they call resession). Between 1960 to 2015 (ie 55yrs)naira to dollar rose from N1/1$ to N200/1$. But within 2yrs of PMB it rose from N210/500$.

Again I ask you, are you okay?

PapaBaby:
Beginning of the end of Fulani empire if we can all speak with one voice.

Fulani would continue to be your nightmare till kingdom come.

Despite the SW having the highest concentration of Industry in Nigeria, there's symbiotic collaboration between North and SW (like Lagos and Kebbi) to stimulate their economies.

Furthermore, northern and SS states are building massive industries to have comparative advantage over raw materials they have in abundance. Eg, Buhari commissioned an agro industry in Kaduna a few weeks back.

Coming to SE, I don't see any form of collaboration between states to maximize their raw material potentials. I could be wrong but I don't just see it happening.

Indeed, I'm worried about SE states because our governors don't seem to understand the consequences of what they are asking for - restructuring.

In summary, all regions are preparing for 'Nigeria beyond oil' except the SE. And before u call me Afonja (the most abused word on this platform!), I am even more Igbo than you!

sonature1:
Despite the SW having the highest concentration of Industry in Nigeria, there's symbiotic collaboration between North and SW (like Lagos and Kebbi) to stimulate their economies.

Furthermore, northern and SS states are building massive industries to have comparative advantage over raw materials they have in abundance. Eg, Buhari commissioned an agro industry in Kaduna a few weeks back.

Coming to SE, I don't see any form of collaboration between states to maximize their raw material potentials. I could be wrong but I don't just see it happening.

Indeed, I'm worried about SE states because our governors don't seem to understand the consequences of what they are asking for - restructuring.

In summary, all regions are preparing for 'Nigeria beyond oil' except the SE. And before u call me Afonja (the most abused word on this platform!), I am even more Igbo than you!

You are not an Igbo person.. You think it is all about mineral resources.

They is what we call Human Capital.
SEast was built without any Federal Support after the War...

Now more developed than most region. .

Igbo problem is just that Nigeria were IgboPhobic, doing everything to hold them down..

Go to North, Lagos Igbos own most of the best estates..

If you are Igbo you would have known that no matter how nigeria is situated..

From one Nigeria
To restructuring
To break up

Igbos would fare much better. .

As it is now.. Igbo extraction are the ones exploiting the benefits of one Nigeria