‘Nigeria will die if we don’t restructure’ — southern, middle belt leaders warn

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) says the only way to avert the death of Nigeria is to restructure.

The forum on Sunday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the various challenges facing the country.

Edwin Clark, national leader of the SMBLF, spoke at a meeting of the forum in Abuja.

He said: “The purpose of this meeting is very clear. Where are we going in Nigeria? Some are asking for secession, others for a breakup, others are running a unitary system of government, etc.

“Time is moving fast and there is the need to state our position very clear to Nigerians.

“Mr. President is not an emperor, he is not a king, he is not a monarch, he is a politician. He should come out and meet some of us who where here before even he was an ordinary soldier. This country belongs to all of us, the north alone or the south alone cannot rule this country.

“We want a brand new constitution. Any amendment of the constitution, I have no confidence in it. We are here for two things: Nigeria should be restructured. President Buhari once said if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.

“I say if we don’t restructure Nigeria will die. Secession is not the answer. Secondly, we want the zoning to continue. It is constitutional…we want the 2023 presidency zoned to the south.”

Before the commencement of the discussion, the group observed a moment of silence for Ibrahim Attahiru, the late chief of army staff, and Yinka Odumakin, the former secretary of Afenifere and SMBLF.

Some of those present at the meeting include Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere; George Obiozo, president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo; Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, a senator; Bitrus Pogu, and Godknows Igali.

The meeting is still in progress and a communique is expected to be issued at the end.