(Being aMiddle-Belt News Networks Ltd Production)
“Our Mission”
(1) All Middle-Belters are here reminded that the Middle-Belt is like an octopus. Put another way, the Region is as a body with many parts, with each part paying its necessary and vital role for the health and well-being of the whole body. Tribes, tongues and faith may differ, but our goals and aspirations are the same – to liberate and develop the people and land of the Middle-Belt.
One could only kill someone with an idea, but cannot kill the idea with him – which is why the good work by Lt-Gen T.Y. Danjuma is now coming to fruition. Our leader, Lt-Gen T.Y. Danjuma, is not an ordinary man. He is a man of superior courage, indefatigable in zeal, tenacious in purpose and very steadfast in resolve.
As free citizens of Nigeria, we are entitled to be protected by the State. However, we have been attacked unprovoked in a barbaric and dehumanizing manner. We have to fight back as ferociously, as our forefathers fought, to help their generation decades ago. Every citizen is entitled to a minimum of self-defence – and Middle-Belters are no exception. Our people are killed and kidnapped on daily basis.
(2) The Middle-Belt has a great history of patriotism and crystal-clear identity. We have pioneers such as Pastor Lot, Da Vom, Hyacinth Gogwin, Patrick Dokotiri, Prince Da Bitrus Rwang Pam, and Chief Solomon Lar – both of Plateau. Chief J.S. Tarka, Hon. Isaac Shaahu, Dr. Paul Unongo, Iorchia Ayu, Mvendaga Jibo, and Dan Agbese – all of Benue.
Rev. Habila Aledeino, Hon. Edmund Mamiko, Amb. Juta Paul Bassey, Dr. Bala Takaya, of Adamawa. Amb. Jolly Tanko Yusuf, Hon. Donimic Mapeo, Chief Philip Gurumpawa and others, from the present Taraba State. Hon. Chief J.S. Olawoyi, George Ohikere, Joseph Ohian, Chief Kokori Abdul, Chief Ajayi, of Kabba and many others. HRH Chief Awan of Kagoro, political activist Azi Nyako (Southern Bauchi), and Nathaniel Zome, from Zuru (Southern Kebbi).
(3) We resist and reject the evil of fiefdom in all its ramifications; but we can dialogue, discourse and discuss, and by means of constructive engagement with authorities and even with those opposed to us – in line with our aims and objectives.
(4) Great Middle-Belters – the task we have set for ourselves is by no means an easy one. There are going to be traitors and saboteurs, both amongst us and from our oppressors. This should not deter us at all, as a decent future is the reward of the just.
(5) There shall be no compromise or negotiation on our resolve to fashion, nurture and sustain separate but decent identity for ourselves. To these aspirations we dedicate ourselves even as we commend same to you. Be rest assured of one thing: Our co-operation is yours.
(6) We will abhor violence as a means of seeking redress as much as it lies in our power, and to seek peace and pursue it, even if it costs trials and tribulations. The end-in-view to this non-violent posture is to maintain the political unity of the Middle-Belt and to enhance the economic growth of the country in general, and the Middle-Belt Region in particular.
To stretch forth hands of fellowship to other groups from across the length and breadth of Nigeria whose aims and objectives are similar to ours in a joint resolve to achieve a structurally-balanced, peaceful and progressive country!
(7) The Middle-Belt Region is a reality, in fact and in practice, given the homogeneity of her people and cultures, and the harmony of various religious faiths in the Region. We, therefore, reject completely any geo-political division, which purports to include the Middle-Belt in any zone called ‘North.’ We reject to be called ‘North Central Zone.’ We are from the Middle-Belt region.
(8) We assert that the Middle-Belt consists of two zones: the Upper Middle-Belt and the Lower Middle-Belt. We call for a referendum to confirm and approve this status.
The Presidential System of government, from Nigeria’s experiment, has proved too costly and too corrupt and monetized for the good of the country. It should be replaced with the Parliamentary System where the Executive and the National Assembly are made accountable to the electorate. India is a shining example of a stable Parliamentary System that should be emulated.
We hereby reiterate that the two geo-political zones of the Middle-Belt Region are not subject to negotiation, except through a plebiscite, and no group of ethnic nationalities dare question our resolve to remain who we are – Middle-Belters! In any eventuality, we are prepared to go our separate way.
“ We call on our politicians to wake up from their sleep, organize themselves to enable one of them to become the President of the country.”