“If we don’t restructure Nigeria will die” – Southern, middle belt leaders declare

An association of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has warned that restructuring remains the only way to stop Nigeria from a collapse.

Speaking in a meeting on Sunday, Edwin Clark, the forum’s national leader charged President Muhammadu Buhari to be bold in face of the divisive challenges Nigeria is facing.

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.”

Mr Clark, who is an elder statesman in Nigeria polity further made calls for the presidency to be zoned to the south after the eight year tenure of Mr Buhari.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

The forum observed a moment of silence for the deceased Clchief of army staff, Ibrahim Attahiru and Yinka Odumakin, the former secretary of Afenifere and SMBLF before the commencement of the discussion

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.