Middle belt groups seek implementation of 2014 confab report

The Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Organisations (CIMBO) is seeking the implementation of the 2014 national conference report before 2027.

The organisation said it would hold a conference on August 9 and 10 to discuss and drive home its restructuring demands.

In a statement on Wednesday, Timothy Gandu, CIMBO’s chair, said the current constitution does not recognise minority ethnic groups.

Gandu said non-implementation of the 2014 national conference report has been “detrimental” to the people of the middle belt.

“The 2014 National Conference (2014 Confab) Report recommended the creation of more states and eight geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with the Middle Belt having three zones, given its land size and population, ie, Middle Belt-East, Middle Belt-Central and Middle Belt West,” he said.

“The non-actualization of the 2014 Confab Report, the promulgation of laws and policies detrimental to the people of the Middle Belt has necessitated the call for all Middle Belt Indigenous Ethnic Organizations, to meet and reinforce their stand as a bloc in Nigeria.

“Principal amongst the issues to be discussed at the meeting are the need to: (1) Maintain our identity, (2) Have control of our ethnic lands, heritage and resources, (3) Remove our ethnic groups from internal oppression, suppression and colonialism.

“(4) To be part of the Nigerian Federation and to benefit equally and equitably like all other groups in the Nation and (5) To support and reinforce all positive actions of Middle Belt Organizations, like the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Associations (CONAECDA), Kwararafa People’s Assembly (KPA) etc.”

Gandu said the conference would host over 100 delegates who are representatives of over 400 indigenous ethnic groups in the middle belt.

“We shall through peaceful, but in a diligent and persistent manner, ensure that the goals set out by us are achieved,” he added.

The CIMBO chair said they would meet with other ethnic groups “to restructure Nigeria before 2027”.