AREWA GROUP SPLITS, AS NORTH CENTRAL STATES FORM A NEW FORUM

The Six North Central States of Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Plateau on Wednesday announced the formation of a new regional organization, The North-Central Peoples’ Forum NCPF

Included in the bloc, is the Federal Capital Territory, which though is located within the North-Central region, is administered by the federal government.

Unveiling the new organization on Wednesday in Abuja, Chairman of the Board of trustees of the forum Lt.Gen Jeremiah Useni rtd. said that the formation of the North-Central Peoples’ Forum was because the people of the region have realized that the creation of regional blocs has become a reality in the Nigerian political space.

He said the forum would advance and protect the political interest of the people of the region within the Nigerian nation.

Formation of the North-Central Peoples’ Forum effectively breaks the Arewa bloc which has remained the umbrella organization for pressing and protecting the interests of the entire northern states in Nigerian politics.

Speaking at the inauguration of the forum in Abuja, former deputy senate president Ibrahim Mantu noted that the north-central region which plays a vital role in the stabilization of the Nigerian polity was being denied key political appointments

However, beyond the inauguration of the forum, the constitution of the new organization was also unveiled

According to Article 8 of the constitution which deals with membership, “Only indigenes of the six states and the federal capital territory can belong to the association”

This provision throws up the contentious issue of the indigene and settler population which has pitched the indigenous ethnic groups against the settler population in Benue and Plateau states

It raises the question, if the settler population, especially the Fulani nomadic population can belong to the North-Central Peoples’ Forum.