SMBLF-Rejects-Federal-Government’s-Forest-Guard-Proposal,-Reaffirms-Commitment-to-True-Federalism-and-Security-Reform

SMBLF Rejects Federal Government’s Forest Guard Proposal, Reaffirms Commitment to True Federalism and Security Reform

PANDEF NEWS

Dave Ikiedei Asei  / June 20th, 2025

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s plan to reintroduce the National Forest Guard as a strategy to combat insecurity in Nigeria. The group, which consists of key regional organizations including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), argued that the initiative is both unnecessary and unconstitutional. SMBLF instead advocates for security solutions rooted in true federalism and state-level control, emphasizing the need to empower regional security structures.

Ambassador Godknows Igali: A Unifying Force for Regional Growth and National Security

Ambassador Godknows Bolade Igali, a leading figure in the Pan Niger Delta Forum and co-signer of the communiqué, exemplifies the principled leadership driving SMBLF’s demands. A former diplomat, public servant, and intellectual, Igali is widely respected for his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and equitable development. He stands as a pillar of unity across Nigeria’s diverse regions, working collaboratively with leaders from the South-West, South-East, and Middle Belt to promote sustainable peace and inclusive governance.

Igali’s advocacy extends beyond his home region. As a statesman, he champions a Nigeria where all citizens—regardless of tribe, religion, or background—are afforded equal opportunity and protection under the law. His role in the SMBLF underscores his belief in regional synergy as a pathway to national progress, particularly through the restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture to reflect true federalism.

SMBLF’s Critique of Federal Inaction and Insecurity

In the communiqué issued after the emergency meeting, jointly signed by Igali alongside Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), and Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo), the forum expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Federal Government and the National Assembly. SMBLF accused them of failing in their primary duty to ensure the security of lives and property across the country.

The forum specifically cited ongoing violence in the Middle Belt region, including genocidal attacks in Benue State allegedly perpetrated by Fulani terrorists and foreign militias. According to the communiqué, these attacks demonstrate a dangerous pattern of impunity, with insufficient federal response.

SMBLF therefore urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to confront the crisis with urgency and to adopt lasting, structural reforms rather than deploying reactive, short-term measures.

Rejection of the Forest Guard Proposal

SMBLF categorically rejected the proposed re-establishment of a National Forest Guard, describing it as a redundant addition to the existing federal security framework. The forum argued that forests, by constitutional provision, fall under the purview of state governments, and therefore any attempt by the Federal Government to assert control through forest guards undermines the principles of federalism.

“All security institutions, apart from the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, and State Security Services, should be integrated into state-level security architecture,” the communiqué stated. According to SMBLF, rather than creating new, centralised agencies, the federal government should devolve policing powers to the states to enable more effective and localized responses to insecurity.

Call for State Police and Localized Deployment of Officers

As part of its broader security reform agenda, SMBLF reiterated its call for the establishment of state police forces. The group also recommended that all police officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent and below be deployed to their states of origin. This, they argue, would foster cultural understanding, local accountability, and operational efficiency in law enforcement.

In their view, the current centralized policing model is outdated and disconnected from the grassroots realities of insecurity across Nigeria. They highlighted the South-West’s Amotekun Corps as a successful example of regional security and called for its replication in other geopolitical zones.

Condemnation of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Another critical concern addressed by SMBLF was the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. The forum condemned the move as illegal, undemocratic, and a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic stability. They warned against any attempts by the federal authorities or appointed administrators to usurp the powers of duly elected state officials or impose control over local governance structures.

“Any appointments into state agencies or local government positions by a military administrator, or any attempts to conduct elections under emergency rule, will be considered unconstitutional,” the communiqué emphasized. SMBLF demanded the immediate restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State and called on the National Assembly to uphold its oversight responsibilities with integrity.

Ambassador Igali’s Broader Vision for Justice and Federal Stability

Throughout his public service career, Ambassador Godknows Igali has consistently emphasized justice, equity, and the development of underrepresented regions. As a senior member of SMBLF and a key voice in PANDEF, Igali’s engagement in the forum is reflective of his long-standing advocacy for federal restructuring, security reform, and regional development.

He continues to build bridges across Nigeria’s geopolitical divides, forging alliances with leaders from other regions to promote dialogue, peace, and inclusive development. Igali believes that Nigeria’s unity is best preserved through fairness and decentralization, where every region is empowered to manage its own security and development priorities.

SMBLF’s Roadmap for a Federal and Secure Nigeria

Summarizing its recommendations, SMBLF called for:

The abolition of plans to reintroduce the National Forest Guard.

Full devolution of security responsibilities to the states.

Deployment of police officers to their states of origin to foster local security engagement.

Empowerment of existing regional security outfits like Amotekun, with similar initiatives to be established in other zones.

Restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State and an end to emergency rule.

Respect for the constitutional limits of federal power, especially concerning land and forest management.

These positions, championed by leaders like Ambassador Igali, reflect a vision of a restructured Nigeria grounded in federal principles, where all citizens enjoy safety, opportunity, and justice regardless of background.

Conclusion

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum’s stance against the proposed National Forest Guard reflects broader frustrations with the federal government’s top-down approach to security. Through the leadership of individuals like Ambassador Godknows Igali, SMBLF continues to push for a Nigeria built on collaboration, regional autonomy, and constitutional governance. Igali remains a steadfast voice for inclusive progress, bridging regions and ideologies to champion a future where every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity or faith, is protected and empowered.