Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Forum seek true federalism

A group of eminent Nigerians under the aegis of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum have called on all patriots in the country to support true federalism and a thriving democracy.

This follows their support for the recent position of governors and federal lawmakers, particularly the Senate, on the need to put Nigeria back on track through the enthronement of a true federalism and genuine democratic institutions.

In a communiqué issued yesterday in Lagos, the leaders, which include Ayo Adebanjo (Southwest), Prof. Joe Irukwu (Southeast), Albert Horsfall (South-South) and Bala Takaya (Middle Belt) commended the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) for their stand on returning the country to a federal entity.

The forum also eulogized the Southern Senators Forum for their successful retreat in Calabar, where they called on President Muhammadu Buhari to convene a meeting of the National Assembly, governors and Speakers of the states assemblies to commence the implementation of the 2014 National Conference reports.

Other leaders at the meeting included former Minister of External Affairs, Gen Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, former governor of Plateau State, Jona Jang and former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, who was represented by former envoy to the United States, Prof. George Obiozor.

Others were Prof. Banji Akintoye, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Femi Okurounmu, Guy Ikoku, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, Supo Shonibare, Isuwa Dogo, Col Tony Nyiam (rtd), Spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, Chris Anyanwu and Fafa Dan-Princewill.