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•Call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address worsening insecurity across the country, following the recent designation of Nigeria by U.S. President Donald Trump as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.
In a communique issued at the end of its National Caucus meeting held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, the forum described the U.S. action as “a wake-up call” to the Nigerian government to halt ongoing killings and acts of terror across the nation.
The forum, comprising leaders from Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Middle Belt Forum, and PANDEF, warned against any form of foreign military intervention but stressed that the government must urgently “disarm and prosecute known militias, killer herdsmen, and Islamist terrorists,” while restoring lands “occupied by force” to their rightful owners in affected communities across Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Borno, Southern Kebbi, and other parts of the country.
The SMBLF also welcomed the recent reshuffling of Service Chiefs but urged President Bola Tinubu to extend reforms to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence, all of whom it said currently come from “one section of the country.” The group argued that such a review would promote inclusiveness and strengthen national security.
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The forum reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s unity and coexistence but urged President Tinubu to adopt a “nationalist approach” toward resolving the prolonged detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
It recalled that Kanu’s agitation was initially peaceful but was “radicalized by ill-advised and excessive military responses” during the Buhari administration, which led to his arrest and ongoing prosecution since 2021.
Without prejudice to the ongoing court process, the leaders called on the President to authorize the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate constitutional processes for Kanu’s release, saying such a move would “serve as a salutary directive for national rehabilitation and peace.”
On the 2027 presidential election, the SMBLF reaffirmed its long-standing position that power should remain in the southern part of the country in the spirit of equity, fairness, and national stability.
The forum recalled its 2021 resolution advocating a southern presidency in 2023 and said the same principle should apply in 2027. It also urged all political parties to respect what it described as “an established national political culture.”
The communique was jointly signed by HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide), and Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF).
