Pa Edwin Clark, the elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), highlighted that the group was established strategically to champion the rights and interests of Southerners, Middle Belt residents, and minorities across Nigeria. In an interview with The Sun, Clark explained the wide range of issues that the SMBLF aims to tackle, stressing the significance of advocating for these historically marginalized communities in national discussions.
Clark emphasized the reasons for forming the SMBLF during Muhammadu Buhari's presidency. He raised issues about multiple violations of the constitution and instances of favoritism. According to Clark, Buhari's government showed disproportionate attention to the Fulani and Hausa regions, while neglecting the South and disregarding Nigeria's constitutional principles of federal character. This perceived inequality prompted Clark and his associates to pursue legal action, with notable figures like Ayo Adebanjo and Fasoranti from Afenifere also joining the effort.
The interview also highlighted several other important matters, such as the continued imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Clark criticized what he sees as the unjust exclusion of the Igbo community, advocating for more fairness and justice within the nation. Furthermore, he addressed controversial topics including minimum wage, state-controlled policing, and allegations of nepotism against President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Clark's comments highlight a wider push for systemic changes and a more comprehensive approach to governance in Nigeria. He emphasized SMBLF's dedication to addressing perceived injustices and promoting balanced development that respects the nation's diverse demographics. The forum seeks to enforce the government's constitutional responsibilities and ensure equitable representation for all ethnic and regional communities.
He said: We discovered that during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, he committed a lot of offences. He breached the Constitution and he didn’t care. He was very nepotistic, developing only the Fulani and the Hausa areas at the expense of the south. And the federal character, which is entrenched in the constitution of Nigeria, he did not obey it. So we decided to go to court. I was the first plaintiff of that case. And people like Ayo Adebanjo, head of Afenifere were there, Fasoranti was number two plaintiff. Both of them represented Afenifere.