Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has made it clear that the Middle Belt will never align with the concept of an Arewa Republic, even if the movement pushes forward.
In an interview with Sunday Sun, Dr. Pogu denounced the northern group’s declaration of an Arewa Republic as “treasonous” and reaffirmed the Middle Belt’s commitment to Nigeria’s unity and future development.
Dr. Pogu expressed that a restructured Nigeria, supported by a people’s democratic constitution, could ease the separatist tensions brewing across the country. He also urged President Bola Tinubu to begin dialogue with the leaders of the #EndBadGovernance protest to address the economic frustrations that contributed to the movement.
In response to a recent northern group’s audacious actions—including the creation of a flag, coat of arms, and national anthem for an imagined Arewa Republic—Dr. Pogu labeled these efforts as irresponsible. He criticized northern elites who, under the previous administration, remained silent in the face of economic collapse but are now fueling division because the current leadership refuses to cater to their demands.
“The Arewa Republic concept is a joke,” Dr. Pogu declared, underscoring that the Middle Belt stands with Nigeria. He made it clear that the region is focused on building a better country for all its citizens, rejecting any notions of secession or political domination from northern elites.
Reflecting on past and present separatist movements, Dr. Pogu noted that grievances often stem from a lack of economic and political inclusion. He believes that if Nigeria can embrace restructuring, many of these movements will dissipate as citizens gain a renewed sense of belonging. Dr. Pogu praised President Tinubu’s early efforts to govern inclusively, even if his economic policies have caused pain for many.
Dr. Pogu also reiterated the Middle Belt’s rejection of any notion of joining the Arewa Republic. He emphasized that the region’s future lies with Nigeria and a vision of a restructured, inclusive democracy. He highlighted the importance of addressing Nigeria’s plural nature to prevent future divisions.
In a recent meeting with President Tinubu, Dr. Pogu and other members of the Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians, called for immediate steps toward a new, people-centered constitution. The group argued that Nigeria’s current constitution fails to reflect the country’s diversity and has fueled discontent. Dr. Pogu cited historical examples such as the breakup of Yugoslavia and Sudan to highlight the risks of ignoring the pluralistic nature of nations like Nigeria.
On the topic of recent comments made by Northern Elders Forum leader Prof. Ango Abdullahi, who suggested revisiting the 1914 Amalgamation Treaty, Dr. Pogu expressed disappointment. He stressed that the unity of Nigeria must be preserved, and separatist rhetoric, especially from high-ranking figures, was dangerous. He reiterated his belief that most Nigerians favor unity over division and called for patience and dialogue as the country faces its challenges.
Finally, addressing the need for development in the North Central region, Dr. Pogu acknowledged that while creating development commissions could help, a broader restructuring is necessary to ensure all regions of the country feel represented and supported. “We need to address our country’s plurality,” he concluded, emphasizing that a well-structured Nigeria is the true path to prosperity.
