The Middle Belt Coalition Movement (MBCM) on Saturday demanded for recognition and representation in the political affairs of Nigeria for the Growth and development of the region.
The National Coalition Chairman, Engr Kube Dwana, who made the demand at the inauguration of Kogi State Branch of the Coalition in Lokoja, North Central Nigeria, said “enough is enough of the imagination of the Middle Belt.”
Dwana, who spoke through the coalition National Director of Publicity, Dr Adams Momoh, lamented the neglect and under development of the region over the years by political actors of the country.
“Our region has for too long borne the weight of marginalization — in federal appointments, in infrastructure, in security, and in the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources.
“Our farmers have faced unspeakable hardship. Our communities have known displacement. Our youth have searched for opportunity, too often in vain.
“Yet our identity — the rich, diverse, and proud heritage of the Middle Belt — has too often been spoken for by others, instead of by ourselves.
“That is why the Middle Belt Coalition Movement was born. We are not a movement of one religion, one ethnicity, or one political party. We are a movement of a people — united by geography, by shared aspiration, and by a common determination that our region will no longer be treated as an afterthought in the affairs of Nigeria.
“We are not against any group. We are for our people. We are for peace. We are for fairness. And we are for a Nigeria where every region, every state, and every community can stand tall and demand — and receive — what is rightfully theirs, ” he stated.
The National Chairman calld on the government in both Kogi State and at the national level to see the coalition as partner in progress and listen to “the legitimate aspirations of our people — for development, for security, and for fairness.”
He pleaded: “Work with us, and you will find us your most loyal partners. Ignore us, and you will find us your most principled opponents.”
He said that the newly inaugurated Kogi State 29 member executive Council, was part of efforts of the coalition to function properly in every state for the desired result of growth and development.
The Chairman told the Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu led inaugurated EXCO that leadership is a trust, not a trophy more so that the people of Kogi have placed their confidence in them.
He said, ” The people of Kogi have placed their confidence in you, so
do not disappoint them but be inclusive since the state is a tapestry of peoples — Ebira, Igala, Okun, and many others.”
He also charged them to be non-partisan in service, but firm in purpose to engage every political party and every government — at state and federal levels — constructively and courageously.
Dwana urged them to prioritize peace and security and work hand in hand with traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, and security agencies to foster dialogue and protect communities.
Responding on behalf of the EXCO, the Kogi State Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, pledged to make the middle belt better even though poverty could be seen everywhere.
Ibrahim said:”We are going to work tirelessly and selflessly as a team to change the narrative of our plights in the region for good.
“We are appealing to our youths to rise with vigor and join us to change the tide, especially in the ares of insecurity, and poverty ravaging our people.
“We are going to reach out all groups even the rascals and the idiots in our midst for peace, development and growth of the middle belt as a region desiring purposeful change.
“All the same, we shall be transparent in our dealings because we want the belt to succeed, particularly seeing a middle belter leading the country as President.”
