The Middle Belt Youth Forum (MBYF), the youth wing of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has denounced proponents of the “Arewa Republic” and distanced the people of the geopolitical zone from the idea. In a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi, Capt. Brent Kane, the Leader of the MBYF, described the concept as laughable and irrational. He emphasized that the people of the Middle Belt geopolitical zone believe in the unity and oneness of Nigeria and would not allow anyone or any group to drag them into an ungodly and unholy alliance.
Part of the statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a trending secessionist video on social media, where certain individuals and groups are promoting a figment of their imagination christened the ‘Republic of Arewa.’ They have gone further to attach state paraphernalia such as a flag, logo, map, coat of arms, and perhaps an anthem. In this delusional imagination of theirs, they have grouped the entire 19 states in northern Nigeria into a monolithic entity named the ‘Republic of Arewa.’ “This is not only laughable but also irrational.
We, the leadership and members of the Middle Belt Youth Forum, not only reject the move in its totality but also condemn any attempt to subject our people and land into any ungodly and unholy alliance with the so-called ‘Republic of Arewa.’ “The Middle Belt Forum therefore stands firm in denouncing and disassociating itself from the said ‘Republic of Arewa.’ We categorically reject any such notion and will never be part of any such concoction. It is important to clarify that the Middle Belt is a distinct and diverse region with its own unique identity, history, and aspirations.
“The Middle Belt region, as distinctively constituted, comprises the following states in their entirety: Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Taraba, Gombe, and, of course, the FCT. Others include the southern parts of the following states: Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Yobe. These states are the true geographical representation of what is today known as the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria.
Thus, we, the people of this entire region, do not identify with the ideological and political framework of any ‘Republic of Arewa’ so-called and vehemently oppose any attempt to forcibly include us in such a union. “It is expedient at this juncture to reiterate our position and continuous advocacy for the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the 2014 National Conference Report. This report provided a framework for addressing the underlying issues that have led to conflicts and instability in Nigeria, resulting in secessionist movements in parts of the country. Only through a democratic and inclusive process can the nation truly address the grievances and demands of all its citizens.
“We therefore urge our fellow Middle Belters to stand united in rejecting the so-called ‘Republic of Arewa’ and to demand a more equitable and just system that respects the rights and aspirations of all Nigerians.
We will not be silenced or marginalized and will continue to fight for our own identity and rights within the context of a united and democratic Nigeria. “To this end, the Middle Belt Youth Forum hereby sends a strong message to all those pushing for the Arewa Republic: ‘We will not be complicit in your divisive and exclusionary agenda. We stand firm in our commitment to a united, inclusive, and democratic Nigeria, and we will continue to fight for our rights and our place in this nation.’ “We value our cultural and ethnic diversity and will continue to cherish and hold in high regard our unique identity while we continue to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures and communities.”
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