News
Middle Belt Forum Urges President Tinubu To Postpone Census
The Middle Belt Forum appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to delay the census until the security situation improves.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has addressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing their concerns about the ongoing insecurity in the country and urging him to postpone the census. The forum highlights the displacement of numerous Nigerians, particularly in the Middle Belt region.
In a statement released by Dr Pogu Bitrus, the national president of the Middle Belt Forum, attention was drawn to the recent visit of Chairman Alhaji Nasir Kwarra from the National Population Commission (NPC) to the Presidential Villa.
During the visit, it was revealed that President Tinubu would soon set new dates for the 2023 national population and housing census, which was previously suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Middle Belt Forum strongly opposes the NPC’s position, considering the prevailing level of insecurity in the country, specifically in the Middle Belt region.
They emphasize that the success and accuracy of the headcount can only be achieved if the safety of citizens and overall security are guaranteed.
To conduct a population and housing census when certain territories have fallen under the control of foreign terrorists and millions of Nigerians have been displaced by ruthless criminals is unthinkable.
The Middle Belt Forum cites instances of terror attacks in Middle Belt communities where innocent citizens have lost their lives over the past decade, with no adequate support provided.
In Southern Borno, for example, Boko Haram has repeatedly assaulted communities, forcing residents to abandon their ancestral lands in search of safety. Tragically, many of these traumatized individuals have become refugees in their own country or neighboring nations, unable to return home for the past ten years.
States like Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Kaduna have also witnessed devastating losses, with thousands of people driven out of their ancestral territories.
Shockingly, foreign occupiers have even renamed these communities under the watch of security forces, demonstrating blatant illegality.
Despite widespread condemnation of the forceful eviction of citizens from their homes, the dream of displaced indigenous people returning to their communities remains elusive.
Recent events in Plateau State, where violence has resulted in the destruction of homes and the murder of hundreds of law-abiding Nigerians, highlight the ongoing threats faced by these communities.
Similar tragedies unfolded in Ukum, Benue State, where bike-riding terrorists claimed the lives of at least 30 people during a wave of terror attacks.
These relentless assaults in Plateau, Benue, and other states indicate a deliberate effort to drive out the indigenous population and seize their lands, while providing ruthless murderers with the opportunity to occupy their towns and villages.
Given these dire circumstances, the primary focus of the Federal Government should not be on conducting a population and housing census. Instead, the immediate priority must be to ensure the safe return of the millions of displaced persons across Nigeria, especially in the Middle Belt region.
Conducting the census without addressing the issues faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) would be a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the true demography of a nation where citizens have been forcefully driven from their homes by foreign Fulani invaders.
While acknowledging the significance of a population and housing census, the Middle Belt Forum calls upon the Federal Government to prioritize resolving the security challenges.
This approach will prevent the occurrence of a census that could be marred by disputes and inaccuracies.
The Middle Belt Forum strongly believes that displaced communities living in temporary shelters must be able to return to their ancestral lands. They should not be left with a sense of abandonment, vulnerable to bloodthirsty invaders and criminals.
In the midst of ongoing conflicts tearing the country apart, it is unreasonable for the NPC to advocate for President Tinubu to set new dates for the suspended population and housing census.
The Middle Belt Forum urges President Tinubu to consider the prevailing security challenges and the plight of internally displaced persons before proceeding with the census.
The forum emphasizes that conducting a census during troubled times will only bestow legitimacy upon the vicious perpetrators of genocidal attacks on defenseless communities. To ensure a transparent and accurate headcount, it is essential to prioritize the restoration of order and the provision of adequate security for lives and property across the nation.
National
Insecurity: APC Forum Accuses Governor Dauda Of Failing to Protect Citizens Amid Party’s Abductions
The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of five party chieftains by armed bandits, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of failing in his responsibility to protect citizens.
The kidnapped individuals, all from Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, were reportedly taken on Saturday while travelling to the Marafa area of the state.
The abductees include Yahaya Sani Dogon Kade, chairman of Dan Isah ward, Bello Dealer, chairman of Sakajiki ward, and three others whose names have not yet been released.
In a statement on Monday, its spokesperson Muhammed Ismaila Kaura criticised the governor’s handling of security in the state.
“As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Dauda Lawal bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” Kaura said.
“Unfortunately, he has failed to live up to this duty. This is not the time for excuses, blame games, or empty rhetoric. It is a time for decisive action.”
The party called for immediate and effective measures to secure the release of its members and to tackle the growing wave of banditry in the state.
“The people of Zamfara are tired of living in fear. We are tired of leaders who offer nothing but excuses while our brothers and sisters are being kidnapped, killed, and displaced. The time for action is now,” Kaura added.
The APC also urged security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.
“This reprehensible act is not only an assault on the affected individuals and their families but also a direct attack on the peace and stability of our dear state,” the statement continued.
The forum reaffirmed its solidarity with the families of the abducted persons and vowed to continue pressing for their safe return.
“To the criminals behind this heinous act, let it be clear: Zamfara State belongs to its people, not to bandits. Your reign of terror must come to an end. And to the Governor, we say: act now, or history will remember you as a leader who failed his people in their time of greatest need.”
There has been no official response from the state government regarding the abductions. However, insecurity has remained a pressing issue in Zamfara, with frequent attacks by armed groups targeting both civilians and public officials under Governor Dauda lawal
In a dramatic turn of events, Mojisola Meranda has stepped down as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, ending her short-lived leadership tenure.
The lawmaker, who represents Apapa Constituency I, made the announcement on Monday, coinciding with her re-election as Deputy Speaker by fellow legislators.
Her leadership was marked by a tense political climate, but lawmakers commended her for maintaining stability and fostering peace within the Assembly. Additionally, her decision to step down was seen as an act of discipline and adherence to the principles of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meranda’s resignation came after a reported closed-door meeting with influential APC leaders in Lagos, aimed at resolving the prolonged leadership crisis that had disrupted Assembly proceedings.
The crisis intensified on 13th January 2025, when lawmakers ousted Mudashiru Obasa, the representative of Agege Constituency I, from his position as Speaker.
Obasa was removed from office by more than two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly, with allegations of misconduct and administrative irregularities levelled against him. In the wake of his removal, Meranda was elected as Speaker, making history as the first female to lead the legislative body in the South-West region.
Despite being removed, Obasa refused to accept his dismissal, insisting that due process had not been followed. He challenged the legitimacy of the impeachment, citing the use of security forces during the process and arguing that he had been unfairly removed in his absence while travelling outside Nigeria.
The controversy deepened when 36 lawmakers, aligned with Meranda, stood firm in their decision, affirming that Obasa’s removal was final and that she remained the rightful Speaker. The standoff created heightened tensions within the Assembly, leading to an indefinite adjournment of legislative sessions on 17th February 2025.
The crisis escalated further when security personnel clashed with Assembly staff over control of the complex. Emotions ran high as lawmakers loyal to Meranda expressed their frustration over attempts to reinstate Obasa. In response, they passed a strong vote of confidence in her leadership, reinforcing their stance against his return.
However, Obasa re-emerged at the Assembly Complex on 27th February 2025, escorted by a heavy security detail. His return marked his first physical presence in the chambers since his impeachment, sending shockwaves through the political landscape. His insistence that he was still the Speaker reignited opposition from his colleagues, who maintained their support for Meranda and rejected his claims to the leadership position.
With Meranda stepping down and Obasa continuing to challenge his impeachment, the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly remains in limbo.
Political analysts suggest that further negotiations within the APC may determine the final outcome of the power struggle.
Whether the lawmakers will rally behind a single leader or remain divided along political lines remains to be seen.
Mudashiru Obasa has been returned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa was reinstated following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down from the role with immediate effect.
Details later…