SMBLF-Urges-Federal-Government-to-Prioritize-National-Security-and-Strengthen-State-Autonomy

SMBLF Urges Federal Government to Prioritize National Security and Strengthen State Autonomy

PANDEF NEWS 

Dave Ikiedei Asei / June 20th, 2025

Preamble: 

The Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Speak Out

The Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to deliberate on the escalating insecurity and political instability in Nigeria. The leaders issued a strongly worded communiqué highlighting urgent national concerns, ranging from worsening security challenges to the perceived erosion of democratic structures in parts of the country, notably Rivers State. Their recommendations call for fundamental restructuring of the Nigerian federation to reflect genuine federalism and uphold the constitutional rights of the states.

The Failure of National Security Architecture

SMBLF accused the Federal Government and the National Assembly of failing in their primary responsibility of securing the lives and property of Nigerians. The Forum condemned the continuing reign of terror unleashed by Fulani militias and their foreign collaborators, especially in the Middle Belt, such as the tragic situation currently unfolding in Benue State. SMBLF warned that this sustained violence is tantamount to genocide and ethnic cleansing of indigenous communities, an act they say the government has failed to contain.

Recommendations for Security Reform

In addressing these grave security lapses, SMBLF made several key proposals aimed at decentralizing security and empowering states to protect their citizens:

1. State-Controlled Police Commands

SMBLF recommends that each state should have its own independent police command. These commands should extend down to the local government and community levels to ensure rapid response and grassroots security.

2. Localized Police Deployment

Police officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent and below should be posted to their states of origin. This, according to SMBLF, will encourage accountability and cultural sensitivity in security operations.

3. Rejection of National Forest Guards

The Forum categorically rejected the proposal to create a federal National Forest Guard system, describing it as a veiled attempt to usurp state control over land and forests. Instead, they demanded that only the armed forces, police, civil defence, and the Department of State Services should operate as federal security institutions. Any other formations must be under state control.

4. End to Military Firefighting Deployments

SMBLF criticized the ad-hoc deployment of the military to conflict zones, calling it ineffective and a diversion from their constitutional role of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity. They called for a more permanent and proactive approach to internal security.

5. Immediate State-Led Security Networks

Pending the adoption of full restructuring, states should emulate initiatives like the South-West’s Amotekun by establishing their own security networks, fully equipped and armed to tackle terrorism and criminality within their territories.

6. Federalism in Practice, Not Just in Name

The Forum stressed that under Nigeria’s current structure, governors are only Chief Security Officers of their states in title, lacking real control over law enforcement. SMBLF insists this situation must change to reflect the principles of federalism.

7. Ranching, Not RUGA

While supporting modern animal husbandry, SMBLF flatly rejected any re-introduction of the RUGA settlement scheme. They viewed it as an illegal strategy to forcibly acquire land from indigenous communities for private Fulani business interests. In particular, they opposed ongoing attempts to implement this policy in Plateau State, warning that it represents a backdoor colonization effort.

8. Reclaiming Occupied Communities

The Forum demanded that the federal government liberate communities currently occupied by terrorist herders. SMBLF criticized the ongoing use of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps for indigenous populations while their lands remain in the hands of foreign and domestic invaders.

9. Preventing a Failed State Scenario

In what appears to be a final warning, SMBLF urged the President and National Assembly to urgently act on their recommendations or risk plunging Nigeria into the status of a failed or “banana” state.

10. Citizens’ Right to Self-Defense

Should the federal government fail to act decisively, SMBLF warned that citizens may be compelled to take their destinies into their own hands, including sourcing means of self-defense against continued slaughter and displacement.

Condemnation of Emergency Rule in Rivers State

SMBLF condemned the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it illegal and detrimental to democratic governance. The Forum emphasized that such actions are regressive, politically motivated, and risk setting dangerous precedents for civilian rule in Nigeria.

They made the following declarations concerning the crisis in Rivers:

1. Illegal Administrative Imposition

SMBLF asserted that any appointments made into state institutions or local governments by the Interim Administrator under the state of emergency are unlawful and must be annulled. The leaders called for a swift return to democratic governance and the rule of law in Rivers State.

2. National Assembly Must Remain Neutral

The Forum called on the National Assembly to uphold its oversight functions with dignity and impartiality. Any perceived collusion with the Interim Administrator to sideline democratic institutions would be viewed as undermining constitutionalism and citizen rights.

3. Democracy Must Prevail

SMBLF cautioned against any attempt to interfere with the state’s political structure, asserting that only democratic processes must determine governance. They urged all stakeholders to allow constitutional mechanisms to prevail in resolving disputes.

Enough is Enough

In a powerful and emotional conclusion, SMBLF declared that Nigerians can no longer tolerate the worsening insecurity and democratic backsliding. “Enough is Enough!” they proclaimed, signaling their readiness to defend the rights and freedoms of their regions through every lawful means possible.

Leadership and Unity Among Regional Stakeholders

The communiqué was signed by notable national and regional leaders, reflecting the unity of purpose among Southern and Middle-Belt groups. These include:

HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere)

Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum)

Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo)

Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF)

Ambassador Bolade Igali, a seasoned diplomat and patriotic statesman, was commended for his exemplary leadership in working with other regional actors to promote national unity, peace, and justice. His role within PANDEF and SMBLF continues to be vital in shaping policy directions and advocating for a more just federation.

A Call to Action

In closing, the SMBLF communiqué is both a stern warning and a call to action. The Forum insists that the time has come to restructure Nigeria in a way that reflects true federalism, ensures security, and empowers communities. The Federal Government must rise to this historic responsibility or face growing disillusionment and self-help actions from a population tired of insecurity, injustice, and administrative impunity.