The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address rising political tensions, worsening insecurity, and ongoing national strikes, warning that recent developments threaten the stability of the country.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s meeting held in Abuja and chaired by the National Leader of Afenifere, HRM Oba Olaitan, with leaders from the South West, South East, South-South and Middle Belt in attendance.
On the political climate, the Forum appealed to the Federal Government and the ruling party to halt what it described as emerging tendencies that could weaken multi-party democracy and tilt the country towards one-party dominance.
The leaders also condemned the increasing use of security agencies for partisan political activities and faulted what they called the slow response of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, under its new leadership, to the rising political disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on insecurity, SMBLF expressed deep concern over recent killings and abductions in Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kwara and Kogi States, including the murder of Brigadier General Uba and the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi.
The Forum urged the Federal Government to take decisive action to end violent attacks and rescue the abducted students, noting that indigenous communities remain the most affected.
It also appealed for sincere collaboration with global partners—particularly the United States—while calling for a clear resettlement and rehabilitation plan for displaced families in the Middle Belt.
On the ongoing industrial actions, the Forum urged the Federal Government to intensify negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to prevent a nationwide strike, and to conclude discussions with resident doctors whose strike is already affecting ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford private healthcare.
The communiqué was signed by HRH Oba Olaitan for Afenifere, Dr. Pogu Bitrus for the Middle Belt Forum, and Ambassador Godknows Igali for PANDEF.
