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Middle Belt Minorities Demand Secession From The North, Others at Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary

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As Nigeria marked its 64th independence anniversary, the Middle Belt (MB) minorities, commonly referred to as the North Central or Northern minorities, have openly called for secession from the North and other regions of the country.

The Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Ethnic Organizations (CIMBO) made the declaration during a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, the eve of the country’s 64th independence celebration. In an elaborate presentation, the coalition’s chairman, Mr. Timothy B. Gandu, expressed their dissatisfaction with decades of marginalization, stressing the need for the Middle Belt to be recognized as a distinct region.

“We do not want to be North, West, East, or South of Nigeria. We demand to be properly situated and known as the Middle Belt. We are a majority in our minority and demand that the 2014 National Conference report be activated. Our indigenous ethnic groups are tired of the mischief of being referred to as the ‘Minorities’ of the North,” Gandu stated.

The coalition also supported calls for a new constitution and urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure true democracy thrives. They rejected the idea of government-selected zonal representatives for the drafting of a new constitution, preferring a referendum that includes all groups.

“We have shed enough innocent blood over two decades in Nigeria,” the statement added, advocating for democratic reforms, state creation, and a new constitution.

The indigenous minority also pointed to the successes of smaller nations, like Singapore and Qatar, to counter the argument that smaller states in Nigeria would not be viable.

The coalition, representing over 400 ethnic groups across Adamawa, Benue, Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and other northern regions, called on the government to recognize their long-standing grievances and embrace a new constitutional arrangement that provides a voice for the Middle Belt.

As Nigeria commemorates its 64th independence, the Middle Belt’s cry for equity, fairness, and justice resounds, with demands for representation and an end to the decades-long marginalization they have endured.

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Politics

Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine

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October 18, 2024

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Trump's U-turn on Ukraine © Unsplash
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Former US President, Donald Trump, blamed Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, for Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

 

In comments to a conservative podcast, the Republican presidential candidate reversed historical facts in order to avoid holding Vladimir Putin responsible for the attack on his neighbor (the largest military operation in Europe since World War II), which he ordered in February 2022.

“I think Zelensky is one of the best salesmen I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Every time he comes in, we give him $100 billion. Who else has gotten that much money in history? There never has been.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to help him, because I feel terrible for those people. But he should never have let this war start. This war is a failure.”

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Politics

Kenya’s Ruto chooses interior minister as new deputy

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October 18, 2024

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By George Obulutsa

NAIROBI (Reuters) -Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated interior minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy president, a day after the Senate voted to impeach Ruto’s previous deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

“I have received a message from … the president, regarding the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the office,” Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said in parliament on Friday.

Gachagua, who denied all the charges against him during impeachment proceedings, backed Ruto in his 2022 election win and helped secure a large block of votes from the populous central Kenya region.

But in recent months, Gachagua has spoken of being sidelined, amid widespread reports in local media that he has fallen out with Ruto as political alliances have shifted.

Kindiki, a close ally of Ruto, has held the interior ministry post throughout Ruto’s two years as president.

He previously served as senator for Tharaka Nithi County and was a top contender to be Ruto’s running mate during the 2022 election.

Parliament will later have to vote to approve Kindiki’s appointment before he is sworn in.

(Reporting by George Obulutsa; Editing by Alexander Winning and Andrew Heavens)

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Politics

The Government of Imo State has announced a road diversion at 7½ Junction Obowo due to bridge construction on the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road.

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October 18, 2024

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Imo State Public
Enlightenment

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION – DIVERSION

The Government of Imo State has announced a road diversion at 7½ Junction Obowo due to bridge construction on the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road. Motorists are advised to use designated alternative routes, with special instructions for trailers and tankers.

The government assures the public of a swift project completion and seeks cooperation for smooth traffic management

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