Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) comprising of four regional socio-cultural organisations Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has said that the next President of Nigeria should come from the South, saying that the North will complete its statutory eight years in 2023.
According to SMBLF, any political party, including the main opposition PDP and the ruling APC that zones its presidential ticket outside the Southern region of the country country should not expect its support.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a meeting of the group in Abuja on Thursday.
The communique signed by Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON – Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Leader, Afenifere, Prof. George Obiozor – President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Dr. Pogu Bitrus – National President, Middle Belt Forum, the four regions said time has come for a new constitution in the country that will guarantee equity and justice.
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It says democracy can only thrive in a diverse society like Nigeria through sharing of power.
“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;
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“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” the communique partly reads.
SMBLF also condemned what it called continued senseless killings of innocent citizens across the country by terrorists and criminals, especially in the North West Zone, calls on the government and security agencies to redouble efforts to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
It also 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.
In attendance at the meeting include, former Governors, Ministers, federal and state legislators, top politicians and professionals from the Southern and Middle Belt regions, including His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Simon N. Okeke, OFR, Chief Supo Shonibare, Akin Fapohunda, Amb. Okey Emuchay, MFR, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Prof. G. G. Darah, Solomon Asemota, SAN, Dr. Alex Ogbonna, Mr. Mac Emakpore, Chief Douyi Douglas-Naingba, Mrs. Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN, Prof. Mrs. Chinwe Obaji, Maj. Gen. Henry Ayoola (Rtd), Engr. Ben Akaakar, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, Comrade Jare Ajayi, and Ken Robinson, among others.
