In a recent interview with The Sun, Pa Edwin Clark, the elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), explained the establishment and objectives of the SMBLF. He stressed that the organization was founded to work for the interests of Southerners, those from the Middle Belt, and minorities throughout Nigeria.
The South-West, South-South, and South-East regions, along with Middle Belt states like Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nassarawa, and Kogi, are all represented in the SMBLF, according to Clark. In addition to the Yoruba people of Kwara, the forum encompasses Southern Kaduna and segments of the North-West, such as Kebbi and Zamfara.
The Congress for Equality and Change (CEC), chaired by former Senate President Ameh Ebute and attended by more than 400 people—among them, retired generals—was one of several groups that he detailed as having emerged during President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's illness.
Also mentioned by Clark was the formation of the Southern Nigeria People's Assembly, which was to meet in Uyo and was hosted by Godswill Akpabio, the then-governor of Akwa Ibom State, in order to discuss matters pertaining to the Southerners. The 2014 National Conference was the pinnacle of the SMBLF's efforts to have a new constitution ratified.
In his criticism of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Clark pointed out that Buhari had favoured the Fulani and Hausa regions over southern Nigeria through his nepotistic policies and constitutional violations. Clark brought attention to Buhari's serious violations of the constitution, pointing out that he disregarded the federal character principle enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. Because of this disregard, the SMBLF decided to sue.
Representing several ethnic and regional groups, notable personalities such as Ayo Adebanjo and John Nwodo joined Clark as the first plaintiff in the case. The steadfast commitment of the SMBLF to achieving fair development and fairness in all parts of Nigeria was reaffirmed by the wise old statesman.
Hear him out: "We found that Muhammadu Buhari committed a lot of offences during his presidency." Hmm. He disregarded the consequences of violating the Constitution. His narrow focus on the Fulani and Hausa regions meant that the southern regions suffered while he enriched his own family and friends.
Furthermore, he disregarded the federal character that is firmly established in the Nigerian constitution. Thus, we chose to pursue legal action. That case's first plaintiff was me. Along with Fasoranti, notable figures such as Ayo Adebanjo, the head of Afenifere, were present. They were both speaking on behalf of Afenifere. Along with many others, Ohaneze President John Nwodo was present, as was Dan Suleiman of the North.