The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum has declined invitation extended to them by a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulalami Abubakar to attend a roundtable on national issues and security scheduled to hold between today, 29 July, 2019 and 30 July, 2019 citing invitation of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as their reason for turning down the invitation.
In a letter signed by Chief E.K Clark – PANDEF leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo – for Afenifere leader, Chief John Nwodo – President General Ohanareze and Dr. Pogu Bitrus – President Middle Belt Forum and addressed to Gen. Abubakar, the forum observed that the lumping of Miyetti Allah, a trade association for cattle herders and whose members have been accused of various violations of rights, including life across the country sent worrying signal to them.
It argued that the development fall into the categorisation of their respected socio-cultural platforms with Miyetti Allah by Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu.
The Forum while thanking him for the invitation however pointed out that “It was in the thick of our preparations for the journey that fuller details of the roundtable came to our attention, some aspect of which has necessitated this last minute communication with you.”
It continued,” We observed that the roundtable will have in attendance all the National Security Heads, Chief of Defence Staff and notable Nigerians, underscoring the high level of the consultations. We however noticed further that in your category of Socio-cultural organisations invited, you listed the following: PANDEF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Middle Belt Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum.
“We were comfortable up to that point until we saw the following: Gan Allah Fulani Development Association and Miyetti Allah. While we do not know the members of the first group, the lumping of Miyetti Allah, a trade association for cattle herders and whose members have been accused of various violations of rights, including life across the country sends worrying signal to us. It falls into the categorisation of our respected socio-cultural platforms with Miyetti Allah by Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu.
“We consider the above a grave insult on our bodies and our coming to a roundtable with the group would mean acquiescence to the narrative that put us in the same bracket with those wielding illegal AK-47 all over the country and inflicting terror on fellow citizens.
“Even if the above was not the case with Miyetti Allah, bringing a trade group like them in the same vehicle with the nationalities organizations would not have been appropriate as there are organizations of their category for fishermen, farmers, spare parts dealers and poultry owners among others across Nigeria who are not invited.
“Towards this end, we decline participation in the roundtable as scheduled without prejudice to your peace-building effort which is appreciated.”
The forum while regretting any inconvenience its decision may cause him as it was aware of the efforts that went into putting events such as this together, it however assured him of its cooperation in all efforts and dialogues to make Nigeria peaceful, secure and forward moving provided they were organized in a way that does not subtract from its dignity and value.
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