By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Organizations (CIMBO) in Nigeria concluded its two-day maiden conference from August 30th to 31st, 2024, in Kaduna.
The conference, held in Kaduna South, focused on unity and self-determination for Middle Belt organizations, as well as the need for restructuring Nigeria through constitutional reforms and the actualization of the 2014 National Conference report.
Key issues discussed included the Middle Belt’s stance on restructuring and constitutional amendments, and the region’s struggles for liberation and restructuring.
The conference, which attracted delegates representing over 400 indigenous ethnic nationalities from Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, had the theme: “Restructuring and Enactment of the People’s Constitution, Panacea to Peace and National Growth.”
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), the umbrella body of the region, was officially represented at the conference, signaling support for CIMBO, according to a communiqué signed by Conference Chairman Mr. Timothy Barau Gandu and Secretary Prof. E.O. Ejeikwu.
The communiqué highlighted that the conference provided a platform to discuss strategies for actualizing the 2014 National Conference report, the status of CIMBO in relation to other organizations, and its future operational strategy.
Conference Objectives:
The communiqué outlined the conference’s objectives, including:
– Establishing CIMBO’s stance and relationship with the Middle Belt Forum.
– Clarifying CIMBO’s position on restructuring Nigeria and writing a new constitution, using the 2014 National Conference report as a baseline.
– Determining CIMBO’s continued engagement with the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities (CIEN).
– Strategizing for constructive engagement with the Middle Belt’s political and professional class to support self-determination and sustainability.
The conference resolved that Nigeria requires restructuring to ensure self-determination and promote national unity. It emphasized that the constitution should be rewritten to guarantee justice, equity, and control over land and natural resources, with the 2014 National Conference report serving as the foundation for these reforms. The delegates also supported restructuring the country’s security systems to include state and local police for enhanced security.
In conclusion, delegates commended the organizers and sponsors of the maiden conference, urging the constitution of a formal structure for CIMBO to ensure the implementation of resolutions. The motion to adopt the communiqué was moved by Mr. Dada Gado Samuel from the FCT and seconded by Professor Otumale John Egbere from Benue State.
