Featured

Only All-Inclusive Security Strategy Can Guarantee Peace -Middle-Belt Group

Published

4 years ago

April 7, 2021

…warns against profiling of Fulani

The Middle-Belt Heritage Group has called for an all-inclusive security strategy to end the warring spade of insecurity in the country.

The group in a statement entitled, ‘The Security Conundrum in The Benue Valley: The Time For An Alternative Narrative For National Cohesion’ and signed by its convener, Wilfred Terhide Bula particularly noted that crises between groups have continued unabated because of certain missing links.

Citing example with the farmers and herders crises, the group argued that in time past, amicable dispute resolution mechanisms were put in place by leaders of both groups for use

in settling differences and breaches to peaceful coexistence. It however, regretted that today those plugs have been deliberately pulled out, while well-orchestrated mechanisms of divide and rule for selfish independent political gains, have become the order of the day.

While maintaining that there was need to offer alternative narrative to halt the meaningless killings and destruction of property, the group warned against profiling the Fulani tribe as criminals adding that such a strategy was fallacious and counter productive.

Read full text: ON THE SECURITY CONUNDRUM IN THE BENUE VALLEY: THE TIME FOR AN ALTERNATIVE NARRATIVE FOR NATIONAL COHESION

Ladies and Gentlemen

There comes critical and definning moments for every nation and every nationality in the course of development and civilization. Each phase requires our honest appraisal and reviews to enable us identify our strengths and weakness for us to chart a way forward. The history of our country Nigeria is replete with different challenges since Independence in 1960 which has conspired to stagnate Nigeria’s quest for the development and prosperity of her people. But never in the history of Nigeria has this Nation faced this sustained deterioration of the security of lives, properties and extreme distrust amongst its different ethnic groups as we have it today.

To say that Nigeria as a country is experiencing the worst security crisis since the civil war ended in 1970 is an indisputable truism and almost all parts of the country are directly or indirectly affected. There is now a seeming national consensus among patriotic and conscientious Nigerians on the imparativeness of an inclusive national strategy in our collective quest for peace and national cohesion.

Benue State as a case study can arguably be said to have experienced the most devastating losses in terms of human lives and properties in the North Central part of the country. In fact, thousands of families in Benue State have lost loved ones and worst still, many have been deprived of their ancestral land for farming while many others have been displaced from their homes and are taking refuge in IDP Camps

which have now become home for many, over eight (8) years now and counting. Many of these IDP Camps are in the most inhuman conditions that cannot even be imagined for lower animals.

On this note, we wholeheartedly condemn in unmistakable terms the atrocities being extended to the Benue people in particular, people of the Middle Belt and Nigerians in General by some deviant elements of herdsmen. We equally condemn the activities of bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and all criminals who have found Nigeria a safe haven for criminal activities and have rendered many homeless, while inflicting untold hardships on many others in our country. But we wish to also unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms possible, the general negative profiling of the Fulani Ethnic group which is now fast becoming a deceptive and propagative pastime for some Nigerians even those in highly placed positions.

While we have acknowledged from the above that there are genuine grievances being expressed particularly by the Farmers who are often most affected by the activities of these herders, we however wish to state for the understanding of the whole world, the dangers inherent in stereotypical designation of a whole Ethnic group even as a fallout from the activities of some of its members. This thinking goes against basic logical Principles of correct human reasoning which is the fallacy

of hasty generalization. This posture, more often than not, closes every opportunity for dialogue even as principal actors and opinion leaders who ordinarily would have stepped out for dialogue stay back in pain from these negative stereotype profiling.

This is the opportunity we intend to create. For if all of the profiling, the cries, the hues and all the media stunts in attacks and counters has not changed the security situation on ground to the positive but has rather inflamed and heightened frosty relationships, then we really need this alternative narrative.

And in creating this, we must go back in history and note that, from time immemorial, the Benue people have lived largely peacefully with their Fulani brothers. But even as it is with every human interaction, there are usually instances of misunderstandings and this has not been different with the Tiv and the Fulani people. What is however strange now is the fact that, while in time past, amicable dispute resolution mechanisms were put in place by leaders of both groups for use in settling differences and breaches to peaceful coexistence, today those plugs have been deliberately pulled out, while well-orchestrated mechanisms of divide and rule for selfish independent political gains, have become the order of the day.

This has by no small means, formed the basis for escalation of frosty relationship between the farmers and the herders.

We therefore seek to provide a middle ground platform that offers holistic and realistic sub-title interventions that can enhance and restore us to our heritage of living together in harmony and peace. No doubt, a lot has gone wrong in terms of a peaceful relationship between the farmers and herders with both sides accounting for great irreparable losses. But to run endlessly with a narrative of name calling and trading blames, which has become, even as a recreational pastime by the Benue

Governor, Samuel Ortom, with no posers for a way forward will do no one any good.

To this end, we intend to identify the missing link, in order to rediscover our heritage as brothers and sisters who had lived together in peace for more than (300) years.

It is the desire of The Middle Belt Heritage group to open honest conversations that strongly condemns a single story narrative being championed by the present leadership in Benue State so as to clarify that not all nomads of FULANI extraction are bandits and not every bandit is of FULANI stock. This, we believe, is the only way through which true meaning Fulani opinion leaders can come on the table to chart a sincere way forward for lasting peace. Until these misconceptions are cleared

and people bent on pursuing an agenda of ethnic profiling are frontally resisted, we will continue to miss the link thus going through a vicious and deadly circle that nourishes blame game and activates the fallacy of Argumentum ad Misericodiam (Appeal to pity) instead of seeking to provide sustainable solutions that will be fair and accommodative to all interested parties.

Ladies and gentlemen, insecurity is not peculiar to any locality, it can only be escalated in a particular place through the actions and inactions of those saddled with the responsibility of leadership. At a time such as this, people of conscience must rise to be counted on the side of truth and national cohesion. We cannot continue to stand aloof and watch how some of our leaders are taking advantage of the unfortunate situation to sustain their barefaced accumulation of political capital and

material fortune to the detriment of the ordinary people and our long years of friendship. We, the people will always end up as the ultimate losers.

This is why we are equally deeply worried at the nonchalant attitude of the Governor of Benue State to the sustained deterioration of security situation at Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State otherwise generally referred to as the Sankera Axis, where human beings are being killed on a daily basis and properties worth hundreds of millions are destroyed. These are local bandits whose activities were initially fueled by political actors and later, throughthe poor handling of an amnesty program that resulted into betrayals and attendant conspiracy theories that culminated in the killing of a repentant militant while under the amnesty cover.

Today, that part of the State is a no go area and the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is steadily on the rise with no corresponding efforts to ameliorate their sufferings. Rather, the situation is greatly downplayed with a distractive strategy of shifting attention to the negative ethnic profiling of the Fulani people to the neglect of the internally induced banditry.

We therefore call on the State government to address the challenges being caused by enemies within before channeling their energies in meaningless propaganda and sentiments tied around the supposed repelling of external aggressors.

This is even more worrisome in that, the highly acclaimed and applauded anti open grazing prohibition law passed in Benue looks as though it was intended to be simply a literature for propaganda even as nothing seems to be on ground to further and push for its implementation or even an intent to.

We commend the efforts of our security agencies, who notwithstanding the challenges of engaging in an unconventional warfare, daily put their lives on the line in defending the territorial integrity of the Nigerian State. But while we make such commendations, we must not shy away from the reality that, as long as this challenge is not overcome, their efforts are yet good enough.

In this wise, we call on them to step up their intelligence gathering and identify those behind certain groups such as the acclaimed Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) who were said to have taken responsibility for the supposed attack on the Governor of Benue State. FUNAM and related groups are the ones fueling the crisis

by their utterances which are calculated at substantiating certain narratives.

The security agencies should investigate and arrest those behind these platforms of propaganda and bring them to justice.

Finally, Albert Einstein is famously quoted to have said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them”. It is therefore obvious that our leaders at all levels appear to have missed their way in the search for peace, national healing and harmonious co-existence. We watched with pains over the years and we have exhausted our patience as our leaders continue to demonstrate incompetence and helplessness at the time our Nation need urgent solutions for national rebirth. The time to halt this cluelessness is now and WE are the people to do it.

We have resolved to offer an alternative narrative to our experience and we are equally committed to championing a new strategy for Northern cohesion in particular and National integration in general. Every well-meaning Nigerian is hereby called upon to join in this drive for the preservation and restoration of the soul of our future.

Thank you all and God bless

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long live the Middle-Belt of Nigeria

Signed:

Wilfred Terhide Bula

Convener

For and on behalf of;

MIDDLE-BELT HERITAGE GROUP

Share on Facebook

Featured

Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

16 hours ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

Share on Facebook