The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum in Nigeria has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention in response to the killings of Christians in the country.

Instead, they view the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern as a wake-up call for the government to take urgent action to stop the ongoing violence and prosecute those responsible.

The National Caucus of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF),  explained that President Donald Trump’s threat to unleash the military might of the United States of America on Nigeria to stop the killing of Christians should be considered a wake up call to Nigeria’s leadership.

This was contained in a communique issued after the forum’s meeting held over the weekend.

The communique was jointly signed by: HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Leader, Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, (President, Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide) and Ambassador Godknows Igali (National Chairman, PANDEF).

According to them, the forum met and discussed “Matters of Urgent National Importance,” noted and Resolved as follows:

“On the Designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern:

“The SMBLF notes with very serious concern the designation by the US President Donald Trump of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious persecution against Christians.

“The SMBLF affirms its opposition to any unsolicited foreign military intervention in Nigeria over any matter.

“However, we consider the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern a wake-up call to the Federal Government to pursue with a sense of urgency and responsibility halting the ongoing mayhem and killings.

“Furthermore face the issues on ground in disarming and prosecuting the known militias and killer herdsmen and Islamists terrorists responsible for this, and restore occupied lands to their rightful owners of all faiths and ethnic nationalities especially in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Bornu, Southern Kebbi and all over the rest of the country.”

The SMBLF acknowledged the recent reshuffling of the Service Chiefs and welcomes the appointment of new ones.

It however, urged the President to extend this reform to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence “all of whom are presently from one section of the country.”

This, the forum noted, will not only ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the national defence architecture but also reflect the diversity of the country.

The forum restated its commitment to the unity and continued coexistence of the Nigerian Federation wherein every citizen and constituent ethnic nationality will be equally respected and have genuine sense of belonging.

It equally pleaded with President Tinubu to use his good offices to effect the release of Nnamdi Kanu to expedite action on the rehabilitation and healing process in the land.

The forum also resolved to support the retention of the presidency in Southern Nigeria in 2027 in line with the North -South rotational presidency arrangement adopted by political parties since 1999.