An invitation to southern and middle-Belt leaders to sit at a roundtable with the nation’s security chiefs and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has suffered an embarrassing last minute glitch: the leaders opted out of the meeting over the inclusion of MACBAN.
The roundtable is billed for Monday and Tuesday in Minna, the Niger State capital, and was facilitated by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The leaders applauded Abubakar’s initiative towards peace building but felt insulted to be put at par with a ‘trade association’.
The leaders: Chief E. K. Clark of the Pan Niger Delta Forum; Chief Ayo Adebanjo for the Afenifere leader; Chief John Nwodo, the President-General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo; and Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the President of the Middle-Belt Forum, noted that being categorised with the Fulani trader’s group tallied with a similar one done by Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu.
They wrote: “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.
“Even if the above was not the case with Miyetti Allah, bringing 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”
A copy of the letter to Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar reads in full:
“Dear General,
Re:Roundtable on National Issues and Security
Greetings to you from the leaders of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum.
We individually received your invitation to the above event holding in Minna between 29-30 July ,2019.
“We thank you for your interest in the affairs of our country which made us to accept your invitation in good faith .
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.
“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
2 AFENIFERE
3 OHANAEZE
4 MIDDLE BELT FORUM
5 AREWA CONSULTATIVE FORUM
6 NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM
We were comfortable up to that point until we saw the following :
1 Gan Allah Fulani Development Association .
2 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 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.
“Even if the above was not the case with Miyetti Allah, bringing 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.
“Towards this end, we decline participation in the roundtable as scheduled without prejudice to your 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 .
“Rest assured of our cooperation in all efforts and dialogues to make Nigeria peaceful , secure and forward moving provided they are organised in a way that does not subtract from our dignity and value.
“Once again, we appreciate all your efforts.
Chief E. K Clark
PANDEF LEADER
CHIEF AYO ADEBANJO
For :AFENIFERE LEADER
Chief John Nwodo
PRESIDENT GENERAL,OHANAREZE
Dr Pogu Bitrus
PRESIDENT,MIDDLE BELT FORUM.
