The Southern Leaders and middle belt forum has pulled out of a planned national security summit tagged :Roundtable on national security issues organised by Gen.Abdusalami Abubakar (GCFR)
Former Head of State .
In a press statement issued today and signed by both Afenifere leader,chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chef Edwin Clark,chief John Nwodo for the Ohaneze Ndigbo,Dr Pogu Bitrus and others, the group said its decision to opt out was based on the invitation of Miyetti Allah cattle breeders association and others which it said were purely trade associations which should not be grouped together with the ethnic groups and leaders.
In the statement related by Yinka Odumakin on behalf of the southern leaders it declared that while it” individually received the invitation to the event holding in Minna between 29-30 July ,2019 it had reservation about the composition of such a parley.
“We thank you for your interest in the affairs of our country which made us to accept your invitation in good faith .”
The southern leaders however said while it has started preparing for the summit,
” fuller details of the roundtable came to our attention,some aspect of which has necessitated this last minute communication with you.”and hence its decision to change its mind on attendance.
It stated further that while it 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 but however noticed further that” in your category of Socio-cultural organisations invited ,you listed the following:
1. PANDEF
2 AFENIFERE
3 OHANAEZE
4 MIDDLE BELT FORUM
5 AREWA CONSULTATIVE FORUM
6 NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM adding that though it was comfortable with the initial list of attendees, “the inclusion of the following associations namely,
1 Gan Allah Fulani Development Association .
2 Miyetti Allah made it to be curious.”
It added,”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 .”
The southern leaders added that” the categorisation of our respected socio-cultural platforms with Miyetti Allah by Presidential Spokesman,Garba Shehu.” Is a grave insult to the group and southern leaders.
“We consider the above a grave insult on our bodies and our coming to a roundtable with the group would mean acquisence 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. ”
The southern leaders declared that even if the accusations was not the case with Miyetti Allah “,bringing the leaders and ethnic groups with ” a trade group like them in the same vehicle with the nationalities organisations would not have been appropriate as there are organisations of their category for fishermen ,farmers,spare parts dealers and poultry owners among others across Nigeria who are not invited. ”
The leaders said that as a result,it has resolved to decline participation in the roundtable as scheduled without prejudice to the former head of states peace-building effort which is appreciated.
“We equally regret any inconvenience our decision may cause you as we know the efforts that go into putting events such as this together .” it concluded.
