According to the report from the Sun, Elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Pa Edwin Clark, asserts that the group was established to advocate for the interests of Southerners, people from the Middle Belt, and minorities across Nigeria.

Clark highlights significant concerns during Muhammadu Buhari's presidency, stating, "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." Clark notes that Buhari disregarded the federal character principle enshrined in Nigeria's constitution, prompting the SMBLF to take legal action.

Clark explains, "I was the first plaintiff of that case," with notable figures like Ayo Adebanjo and Fasoranti from Afenifere, John Nwodo, the then-President of Ohaneze, and Dan Suleiman from the North joining the lawsuit. Despite preliminary objections questioning their locus standi, "the judge ruled against them, against the federal government." The case remains in court, aiming to fight injustice, protect the constitution, and prevent oppression.

Clark emphasizes the SMBLF's apolitical stance, stating, "We are apolitical; that is, we are nonpartisan. We don’t have a political organisation." This nonpartisan approach allows members to support various political candidates.

"That is why we supported Peter Obi as the presidential candidate. Some others supported Atiku Abubakar, others supported the current President," Clark says.

Following the elections, the SMBLF has returned to its core mission. Clark recounts their response to the Supreme Court's judgment affirming the current President: "We congratulated Mr President, particularly on the day the Supreme Court gave judgment on him in this very house." He appeared on television to express the forum's willingness to work with the new administration, stating, "We would like to meet him later with a memorandum."

The SMBLF has already submitted this memorandum and awaits a meeting with the President. Clark underscores their commitment to national unity and cooperation: "He is our president. We have no other president in this country. As long as he is there, we have to work for the survival of this country."

The Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum remains dedicated to addressing constitutional breaches and promoting justice in Nigeria. Their nonpartisan stance allows them to support various political leaders while maintaining a focus on national unity and cooperation.

Pa Edwin Clark emphasizes, "The insecurity, the hunger and other things we have to cooperate with the government. So we intend to see him." The SMBLF continues to advocate for the protection of Nigeria’s diverse communities and the upholding of constitutional principles.