The Center Belt Discussion board has reiterated its name for the restructuring of Nigeria, warning that the present system has led to the marginalisation of minority teams.
MBF’s Nationwide President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, who was represented by its Nationwide Organising Secretary, Emmanuel Alamu, made this identified whereas talking with newsmen on the sidelines of a two-day symposium on restructuring held on the Trophy Lodge in Kaduna on Saturday.
The symposium, which The Rebirth Group organised, introduced collectively individuals from numerous ethnic communities in Nigeria, together with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Youths Consultative Discussion board, and the Center Belt Discussion board.
Pogu famous that the Center Belt area has traditionally been marginalized and excluded from key decision-making processes.
“When this nation was created, a few of us within the northern a part of Nigeria had been known as minority, and we really most well-liked to name ourselves ethnic nationality.
“We have now not been carried alongside. There was no time something was going to occur, and we sat on the negotiating desk,” he mentioned.
Pogu emphasised that the Center Belt area doesn’t assist the disintegration of Nigeria however slightly believes within the oneness of the nation.
Nonetheless, he harassed that if Nigeria is to stay united, it have to be restructured to handle the underlying points which have led to marginalization and inequality.
In line with Pogu, the Center Belt area has been handled as secondary to different areas within the north, with some people being thought of “extra north” than others.
He argued that this sort of mentality has led to the exclusion of the Center Belt area from key decision-making processes and has hindered its growth.
In his remarks, the convener of the symposium, Owolabi Oladejo, defined the goals of The Rebirth Group, which embody selling a restructured Nigeria the place each group or ethnic nationality would have a way of belonging.
The symposium on restructuring, which was held below the theme “Envisioning Nigeria’s Future: Addressing the Nationwide Query,” introduced collectively consultants and stakeholders from throughout the nation to debate the opportunity of restructuring Nigeria.
In line with the communiqué issued on the finish of the symposium, individuals resolved that the present construction of Nigeria is chargeable for the nation’s issues and that restructuring is the way in which ahead.
“The best way Nigeria is presently structured and is being run is essentially chargeable for why the nation isn’t working within the curiosity of Nigerians,” the communiqué said.
Members beneficial that Nigeria needs to be reorganized into areas, with every area having extra powers over its affairs. The central authorities, in keeping with the advice, ought to concern itself solely with points that the federating items can’t deal with.
The symposium additionally beneficial a parliamentary system of presidency, citing the avoidable bills incurred below the present presidential system.
Different audio system on the symposium included Dr. P. S. Zira, who spoke on “Restructuring: Pathways to True Federalism”; Woman Jennifer Nakpodia, who spoke on “Financial Restructuring for Sustainable Growth”; and Honourable Yusuf Idris Amoke, who spoke on “Unity in Range: Constructing a Cohesive Nigerian Identification”.
The symposium additionally featured contributions from individuals within the diaspora, who joined the dialogue by way of Zoom.
The communique was signed by Olaolu Abogunloko, Diy Nweze, and Jare Ajayi (Chairman).