- The Middle Belt Council of Elders calls for true federalism and implementing the 2014 National Conference report to enhance governance
- General Zamani emphasized that empowering states to manage resources would promote development and address challenges like poverty and insecurity
The Middle Belt Council of Elders has called for adopting true federalism, creating new states, and implementing the 2014 National Conference (CONFAB) report.
The council’s chairman, General Lekwot Zamani (retired), made this appeal in a statement released on Wednesday.
General Zamani highlighted that the call for a return to regionalism is unrealistic given Nigeria’s complex and diverse federation.
He emphasized that before the January 1966 coup, minority groups were marginalized by the major ethnic groups under regionalism.
He stated, “True federalism, with states under zones as the federating units, recommended by the 2014 National Conference, is the most cost-effective option we fully support.
Creating a few more states, with necessary boundary adjustments, will bring government closer to the people and enhance development, peace, and stability.”
The council believes that empowering states to manage their resources and contribute to the federal government, as was the practice before, would promote healthy competition, foster patriotism, and drive development across the country.
General Zamani added that restructuring should begin immediately. It would help address current challenges like poverty and insecurity by utilizing the nation’s agricultural land, natural resources, and talents to create jobs for the youth.
He concluded by calling on Nigeria’s leaders to address these concerns, praying for the nation’s return to prominence on the global stage.