The President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Pogu Bitrus, has asserted that the persistent insecurity across northern Nigeria is not simply a case of banditry or terrorism, but a calculated political strategy aimed at domination. In a no-holds-barred interview with The Cabal, Dr. Bitrus described the wave of violent conflict and land-grabbing in the region as a modern reenactment of the 19th-century Usman Dan Fodio jihad, framed now in the guise of religion but driven by political motives.
“This insecurity is not random,” Dr. Bitrus said. “It is a systemic effort, whether through Boko Haram, militia, or herdsmen violence, to displace indigenous communities and consolidate power.”
Representing an umbrella body for minority ethnic nationalities across the North, the Middle Belt Forum has long campaigned for regional autonomy, restructuring, and equitable representation in Nigeria’s political architecture. Dr. Bitrus argues that the legacy of colonial indirect rule, where Middle Belt communities were subordinated under Caliphate-aligned emirates, remains alive today through imbalanced governance structures.
Beyond Ethnicity: A Call for Restructuring
Dr. Bitrus traced the current political imbalance to military-era constitutions and local government creations, which he claims were engineered to give disproportionate influence to particular northern blocs. He cited historical grievances including the distortion of federal character principles, over-centralisation of power, and the marginalisation of non-Caliphate northern nationalities.
“The 1999 Constitution is not a democratic document, it’s a military decree dressed as a constitution,” he noted, calling for the immediate implementation of the 2014 National Conference report and a people-driven constitutional reform.
2027: The Middle Belt’s Strategic Political Posture
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dr. Bitrus hinted at a pragmatic political approach. While the MBF supported Labour Party’s Peter Obi in 2023 as a statement of principle rather than expected victory, their 2027 strategy will depend on which candidate offers the best prospects for Middle Belt emancipation and national restructuring.
“We will support whoever shows the political will and courage to restructure Nigeria and correct the current imbalance, regardless of ethnicity or party,” he stated.
Though critical of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of the economy and security, Dr. Bitrus expressed cautious optimism about President Bola Tinubu’s intentions. However, he warned that re-election ambitions could compromise bold reforms.
“We don’t need a president who plays to both sides. We need someone with the courage to stand for justice and equity.”
On Traditional Leadership and National Unity
On the controversial proposal to institutionalise the Sultan of Sokoto as a permanent co-chair of a national traditional council, Dr. Bitrus rejected what he sees as an attempt to institutionalize religious and regional hierarchy in a secular state.
“Traditional institutions are state affairs. Any attempt to elevate one above others nationally risks deepening divisions,” he said.
The MBF President also clarified that the Forum does not recognize decisions taken by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as binding on the Middle Belt, reaffirming their distinct sociopolitical identity.
A Message to the Nation
Dr. Bitrus, a vocal member of the pro-reform group The Patriots, concluded with a warning that failure to restructure the country could lead to dangerous instability.
“If we don’t act now to correct the imbalance in our national structure, the consequences could be dire. We must sit as a people, agree on a constitution that truly reflects our diversity, and build a nation where every group has a voice.”
