The time to restructure Nigeria is now, southern, Middle Belt leaders tell Tinubu

Leaders and Elders of the South East, South West, South-South, and Middle Belt Regions have asked the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, and priority, work towards the restructuring of the country to enthrone true Federalism as was originally in place in the 1960 and 1963 constitutions.

The leaders represented by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Middle Belt Forum, respectively, after a crucial meeting in Abuja on Thursday said without restructuring, the future of Nigeria and democracy remain bleak and must, therefore, be carried out immediately

The communique was jointly signed by Chief (Dr.) E.K. Clark – as leader of the forum, Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Leader, Afenifere, Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,  President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, General Zamani Lekwot rtd. – Chairman, Middle Belt Elders Council, and Former Military Governor, Rivers State, Dr. Pogu Bitrus – President, Middle Belt Forum and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, FNSE – National Chairman, PANDEF.
The communique expressed great concern and total rejection of the trend where certain sections of the country, are continually marginalized in the number of states, local governments, and even appointments into the Federal Executive Council.
It particularly requested that the South-East be appropriately represented on the Federal Executive Council, similar to other Geo-Political Zones.
It Insisted that Nigeria must always remain a country where all citizens and sections enjoy a full sense of belonging and equality;
The Meeting extensively discussed the outcome of the 2023 General Elections commended the political class, especially the leading Presidential candidates in the 2023 Presidential Election for their recourse to constitutional means in redressing their grievances;
It acknowledged the Supreme Court judgment on the 2023 Presidential Election delivered today, Thursday, 26th October 2023, which effectively brings to an end the legal processes on the conduct and outcome of the Presidential Election, held on 25th February 2023 saying they will, in the coming days, make a substantial pronouncement on the judgment
The forum urged the Federal Government to redoubled its efforts in assuaging the daily depreciating living standard of Nigerians as well as urgently salvage the Naira, which continues to depreciate daily

The communique adviced the Federal Government to take urgent steps to release Nnamdi Kanu since a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered so. 
“We believe that doing so will promote peace and security in the South East”

“They indicated the Federal Capital Territory remains the national patrimony of all Nigerians hence condemned the present efforts by some to arrogate exclusiveness.
“This must be rejected and the promoters of such views should be called to order
The communique asked President Tinubu to take an urgent look at the 2014 National Conference Report, concluded by 494 of the Country’s leaders, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Report on True Federalism
“The Meeting resolved to set up a Strategic Committee on Restructuring and expressed readiness to interface with the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all other stakeholders, on the enunciated issues.
“The Meeting congratulated Chief E. K. Clark on his 96th Birthday, which was on 25th May 2023, and on the successful launch of his autobiography “Brutally Frank”, held on 17th August 2023.