Middle Belt Forum (MBF) President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, voices strong opposition to the idea of a youth conference and regionalism, citing concerns over national unity and cohesion.
Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan for a 30-day conference with young people, which was mentioned in his Independence Day speech. Dr. Bitrus describes it as merely a political spectacle designed to garner youth support for the president’s political aspirations.
In an interview with DAILY POST, Bitrus discussed topics such as reverting the country to regionalism, efforts to remove revenue collection powers from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). He also addressed the impact of increased electricity bills on minimum wage earners’ income and examined the role of police in Rivers State’s recent local government elections, among other issues.
Proposed National Conference:
The president of the MBF stated, “It will amount to nothing. We’ve held national conferences before; the most recent was in 2014, which provided us with a roadmap for building a better Nigeria for everyone.”
Various issues have been tackled comprehensively, including those concerning the youth. Instead of establishing another bureaucracy for political motives, I believe the government should review the 2014 conference report to address matters affecting our youth and other sectors. This would help push constitutional amendments that could resolve many challenges Nigerians face. To me, however, a suggested 30-day youth conference seems like a mere political spectacle.
The President is attempting to gain political support from young people, even though issues related to them have already been defined. It’s crucial that these plans are put into action so we can build a better Nigeria where the youth are prepared and guided to succeed the older generation, ensuring effective mentorship along the way.
“However, simply holding a conference with the youth seems to me like a political strategy aimed at gaining their support and building a base for the government, rather than actually enhancing governance in Nigeria.”
The Federal Government’s strategy for the FIRS, NPA, NIMASA, and NCS:
Bitrus commented, “Even though I haven’t delved into the specifics of the government’s plans, any measure or initiative that enhances the revenue collection system is a positive step for Nigeria.”
When reviewing the unimplemented report about streamlining activities within government agencies, ministries, and other entities, its goal is to cut costs and enhance governance effectiveness. Therefore, any measure that boosts governmental performance and reduces bureaucracy is appreciated in this country.
We should be asking: How will it be implemented? Will this implementation achieve the objectives of reducing governance costs, improving efficiency in governance, and increasing revenue collections?
These are the crucial elements. Thus, a reduction in government business costs is positive and streamlining bureaucracy is also beneficial.
However, if in the process it merely adds to or expands bureaucracy by taking from one hand and giving with the other, then a problem arises.
This is because, when streamlined, what will happen to the agencies that have been relieved of their responsibilities? Will they simply exist without purpose?
Will they be assigned additional responsibilities, or will the bureaucracies within those organizations be streamlined since a significant portion of their work has been delegated to someone else?
“We need to thoroughly study these aspects before commenting on the government’s actions.”
The President’s plan to reintroduce regionalism:
Bitrus pointed out that although everyone supports regionalism, “today we adhere to something not outlined in the constitution.”
“We divide the country into six geopolitical zones, even though this structure is not outlined in the constitution. Nonetheless, we use it as a basis for distributing appointments and infrastructure.”
If regionalism benefits us, it doesn’t imply that the states will be eliminated. Instead, it means those states will continue to exist within a specific region.
However, as part of a larger region, the states can work together to improve amenities and infrastructure collectively. Some people argue that our current system of government is cumbersome.
The presidential system is often criticized for being too expensive to maintain, prompting discussions about the parliamentary system as an alternative. Each of these systems has its own set of pros and cons, depending on which perspective you choose to consider.
While no system is flawless, we in the Middle Belt zone are open to reintroducing regionalism in Nigeria. However, if this change occurs, we prefer not to be grouped with our far northern counterparts.
“Let them remain in their current location while we do the same. During the 2014 confab report, we proposed establishing a Middle Belt East and West, as well as North East and North West regions; additionally, there would be four regions designated for the South.”
These possibilities could occur, causing concern for some who worry that when a group of people in one area shares many common traits, it might result in secession.
Regardless of the presence of regionalism, if people wish to secede, they will pursue that path. Our country’s experience with a civil war due to secession highlights this reality; if Nigeria cannot function effectively as a unified nation, it faces potential failure.
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The key point is that we welcome anything that will enhance Nigeria’s development and lead us to a brighter future. Some people are suggesting rotational presidency; if this approach addresses our diverse society, it would be welcomed as well.
“We welcome anything that will help us progress. The challenge in this country is that we haven’t yet come together as a unified nation; each region tends to focus solely on its own interests, which benefits no one. Therefore, we’re not against the idea of regionalism.”
Nonetheless, regarding regionalism, we are against the four regions that existed prior to the military coup on January 15, 1966.
“We in the Middle Belt are expressing our desire to no longer stay aligned with our northern counterparts, as this association has been counterproductive. We aim to pursue development independently.”
He stressed that those in the Middle Belt wish to remain distinct from the far north, which is their stance within the regionalism framework.
The geopolitical zones were established during the late Sani Abacha’s regime and do serve a purpose. However, they don’t address the issues we are currently facing.
In the southern region of Borno State, where I originate from, there is significant inequality. Since the era when our Vice President served as Governor of Borno State, individuals in Southern Borno’s local governments have been receiving wages that differ from those paid to people in Central and Northern Borno.
As a journalist, you have the opportunity to look into this matter. Currently, in Southern Borno’s local government system—distinct from the Kanuri areas of Central and Northern Borno—some individuals are being paid N9000 per month as salaries.
“Why should we remain united with such individuals? Numerous atrocities occur in this country due to some people’s belief that they must dominate others.”
Why would we want to remain with such individuals? If a new region were to be established today, those of us in Southern Borno would refuse to join these people.
“Let’s allow them to manage their own affairs while we do the same, enabling everyone to focus on developing their respective areas without outside exploitation. We support regionalism but prefer not to align with the far north.”
Benue and Plateau are located in the North Central geopolitical zone, while the Middle Belt extends beyond just this area.
The Middle Belt includes communities that were independent of both the Caliphate and the Sultanate of Borno when British colonial forces arrived in Nigeria. These groups are located within what is now known as Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, which encompasses areas such as Southern Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, Plateau and Southern Kaduna along with Southern Kebbi—all formerly part of the Niger Province.
They were relocated to the North West based on a panel report’s recommendation. The report indicated that Sokoto State, soon to be established at that time, lacked sufficient manpower. To address this issue, it suggested transferring people to North West—specifically Sokoto—to supply the essential workforce needed in the region.
This is why they left Niger Province for that location; they’re not part of it but belong to the Middle Belt. Those of us in the northern regions of this country who were independent from both the Caliphate and Borno’s Sultanate when the British arrived are considered Middle Belters, spanning across all three northern geopolitical zones: North East, North West, and North Central.
“We are the Middle Belters. This means that someone like me from Chibok, who in 1902 was part of negotiations with the British to join their protectorate, can now identify as a Middle Belter.”
When the British arrived in that region, they moved from Biu to Chibok. Unfortunately, our ancestors resisted and confronted them, resulting in a prolonged conflict from 1906 until early 1907 before we were ultimately defeated.
The Indirect Rule placed us under the jurisdiction of Borno Province and Borno Emirate. If not for this system, we would have no connection with them.
The majority of individuals in the Middle Belt were subdued and controlled through Indirect Rule under the Caliphate system and the Sultanate of Borno. We identify as Middle Belters; that is our identity.
