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Zoning Rejection: Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers Clever by Half – Middle Belt Forum

Published

4 years ago

September 28, 2021

Eric

A group under the aegis of Middle Belt Forum has condemned Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers for rejecting power shift to the South come 2023, and citing the Constitution as basis for their rejection.

A statement signed by the group’s National President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, described the northern governors and tradtional rulers as being clever by half, and hiding behind a finger.

The statement in details:

The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has been drawn to the statement credited to the Northern Governors’ Forum and Traditional Rulers on Monday that it was totally opposed to power rotation on account of the fact that the Nigerian constitution does not provide for it. Resorting to the constitutional provisions as basis for rejecting power shift, the Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers are simply being clever by half as they are only attempting to hide behind a finger.

Lest we forget, the reason behind the zoning arrangement that emphasised the need for power rotation between the North and South is to avail all zones a sense of belonging in providing leadership in the country.

As the umbrella body of all ethnic nationalities in the Middle Belt Region, we are surprised that it is now that the NGF whose members are beneficiaries of power rotation are kicking against power shift to the South. We are shocked that instead of harping on the bloodshed ripping across the country, the governors and traditional rulers of the so-called North are concerned with which of the zones takes over power in 2023.

It is not only immoral but also dubious on the part of these governors who have proven incapable of combating the activities of criminals in their various states to now insist that power rotation is not in line with our nation’s constitution.

As the National Executive Committee ((NEC) of the MBF resolved in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, we called for power rotation among three regions of the North, Middle Belt and South. We deplore a situation where the Middle Belt Region is completely excluded in the power sharing arrangement.

We have been consistent in insisting that for equity and justice to hold sway, power rotation is irrevocable. We have called and demanded that the 2023 Presidency be zoned to the Middle Belt. In the event that such demand is unrealisable, all ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt Region are resolved to support any presidential candidate from the South.

It’s sad that the Northern Elders’ Forum has turned itself into a forerunner of this treacherous plot against power rotation which has stabilized the political situation and given various parts of the country a sense of belonging. We find it strange that the North under whose leadership Nigeria has continued to perform woefully should even contemplate the idea of retaining power in 2023.

Over six years of Northern leadership has brought Nigerians to a catastrophe that is unprecedented. Not only have the prosperity for a bright tomorrow retarded, insecurity, unemployment and other societal vices have left its toll on national life.

As a Forum, we find it incomprehensible to understand the basis upon which the North is clamouring for power retention. By 2023, the North should have forfeited all moral rights to retain power in line with the zoning arrangement of political parties. We cannot allow the North which is now throwing decorum into the air and continue to pursue a selfish agenda that could capsize the ship of the Nigerian State.

The best the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari should do now is to prepare ground for the conduct of transparent polls that would either usher in a presidency to be headed by a Middle Belter or Southerner. Anything short of that is unacceptable to the Middle Belt peoples.

We call on our people not to be perturbed by the remarks credited to the NGF but to remain vigilant against any attempt to foist a divide-and -rule ploy that is aimed at weakening our collective resolve to stand as a one united people committed to the protection of our people, land and heritage.

The Forum wishes to categorically declare that there is no treachery that is enough to frustrate power rotation in 2023. Having seen the bloodshed and destruction that have been the lot of most communities in various parts of our nation, our citizens eagerly look forward to processes for transferring power from the North to either the Middle Belt or Southern Zone.

In light of the above, we are dissuading Nigerians not to take seriously comments emanating from governors of the so-called North. We wish to note here that the Colonial North had since died. Those attempting to raise the ghost of Northern unity should better look elsewhere than engage in futile exercise.

Featured

UNN Appoints Chimamanda Adichie, Others Visiting Professors

Published

10 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Eric

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has appointed a renowned novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, isiting professor as part of the drive to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.

Also appointed visiting professors are African Development Bank (AfDB) executive, Prof Kevin Urama, and Prof James Robinson of the University of Chicago.

The appointments were announced through official letters dated December 18, 2025 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Simon Ortuanya.

Among the roles expected of the trio, according to the letters, included teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions.

Adichie, it was gathered, was appointed based on her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.

According to the university, Adichie’s visiting professorial would enrich the arts and humanities of the institution through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.

Prof Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, was appointed because of his “versatile expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking”.

“His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies, and related disciplines,” UNN said.

On Prof James Robinson, a political economist at the University of Chicago, UNN said his appointment was intended to deepen academic collaboration, advance research, and expose students and lecturers “to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies”.

The acting Public Relations Officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu, said that the appointments align with the commitment of “the vice-chancellor to attracting eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of its founding fathers”.

He said: “The University of Nigeria was founded to be a globally competitive institution; the latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance.”

Inya said the visiting professorships are designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international linkages, and bridge the gap between theory, policy, and practice, adding that the latest appointments “bring the number to four visiting professors appointed by the vice-chancellor in December 2025”.

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Chuks AI Launches NAICOM Aligned Insurance Services on WhatsApp in Nigeria

Published

14 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Eric

Chuks AI, a WhatsApp native insurance technology platform, has officially launched in Nigeria, enabling users to purchase insurance policies and initiate claims directly within WhatsApp, in alignment with applicable National Insurance Commission regulations and established industry standards.

Built specifically for the Nigerian insurance ecosystem, Chuks AI operates as a digital insurance interface that connects customers with NAICOM licensed insurers and approved insurance products. Through a secure, conversational experience on WhatsApp, users can access policy information, receive quotations, complete policy purchases, submit claims documentation, and track claim status, all within a compliant, transparent, and auditable framework.

Key Capabilities

• Distribution of insurance products underwritten by NAICOM licensed insurers.
• Clear disclosure of policy terms, exclusions, premiums, and coverage details.
• Secure digital documentation and record keeping aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Structured workflows for claims notification and documentation submission.
• Ongoing customer engagement and support without replacing licensed insurers,
underwriters, or claims decision makers.
Chuks AI is designed to complement Nigeria’s regulated insurance framework, not circumvent it.

Our focus is on improving access, efficiency, and trust by using WhatsApp as a digital entry point, while fully respecting regulatory oversight and the role of licensed insurance providers.

Driving Insurance Inclusion

By leveraging WhatsApp, Nigeria’s most widely used messaging platform, Chuks AI reduces friction in insurance access, improves customer understanding, and lowers barriers for individuals and small businesses seeking coverage. The platform enables insurers to reach customers more effectively while maintaining full compliance with insurance laws, regulatory guidelines, and consumer protection standards.

Chuks AI does not underwrite risk or independently approve claims. All insurance policies are issued by licensed insurers, and all claims decisions are made by those insurers. Chuks AI functions strictly as a technology enabled distribution, servicing, and engagement layer.

Expansion Plans

Following its Nigerian launch, Chuks AI plans to expand into select African markets and the United Kingdom in Q1 2026, subject to local regulatory approvals and partnerships with licensed insurance providers in each jurisdiction.

Accessing Chuks AI

Users can engage Chuks AI directly on WhatsApp or learn more at www.chuks.ai.

About Chuks AI

Chuks AI is a WhatsApp native insurance technology platform focused on simplifying insurance access, policy servicing, and claims initiation. Built with regulatory compliance at its core, Chuks AI partners with licensed insurers to deliver secure, transparent, and user friendly insurance experiences in Nigeria, with planned expansion across Africa and the United Kingdom

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WSCIJ to Host Public Symposium in Honour of Biodun Jeyifo at 80

Published

18 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Eric

As debates on decolonisation continue to shape global intellectual and political discourse, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will, on Monday, January 5 2026, convene a public symposium in honour of renowned scholar, Biodun Jeyifo, Professor Emeritus at Cornell (English) and Harvard (Comparative Literature and African and African American Studies), as he marks his 80th birthday. The symposium will take place at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, at 9:00am (WAT).

The symposium, themed ‘Who Is afraid of decolonisation?’, will examine Jeyifo’s enduring contributions to curriculum reform, cultural resistance, and critical thought, while interrogating the contemporary relevance of decolonial ideas in education, politics, and public discourse.

The programme will feature a keynote lecture by Priya Gopal, Professor of Post-Colonial Studies at the University of Cambridge, titled ‘Who’s afraid of decolonisation? Reflections on particular pasts and planetary futures.’

The event which will be chaired by Yemi Ogunbiyi (PhD), Chairman, Tanus Books, Lagos, Nigeria will have two panel sessions follow the keynote lecture. The first panel will offer critical responses to Gopal’s lecture and will feature Jibrin Ibrahim, Professor of Political Science and Chairman of the Editorial Board, Premium Times; Chidi Amuta (PhD), Chairman, Wilson & Weizman Associates, Lagos; and Akin Adesokan, Professor of Comparative Literature, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA. The session will be moderated by Ropo Sekoni, immediate past Chair, WSCIJ and Professor of Literature in English.

The second panel, themed ‘Pedagogy for liberation: Then and now,’ will bring together former students and mentees of Jeyifo to reflect on his influence as a teacher, thinker, and institution-builder. Panellists include Bisi Anyadike (PhD), Proprietress, Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Kunle Ajibade, Co-founder, TheNEWS and PM NEWS; and Ogaga Ifowodo (PhD), lawyer and poet. The session will be moderated by Chima Anyadike, Professor of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

A major highlight of the symposium will be remarks by the celebrant, Jeyifo, reflecting on curriculum, society, and revolution across generations.

The symposium will convene students, scholars, writers, journalists, and cultural critics, and will conclude with audience interactions, networking, and reflections on Jeyifo’s enduring contribution to African scholarship and critical pedagogy. Members of the public are invited to attend.