ABUJA — The National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, has issued a robust defense of the region’s distinct identity, dismissing claims that the movement is a “manufactured” political tool.
Pogu, who hails from the southern Borno town of Chibok—the site of the infamous 2014 Boko Haram schoolgirl kidnappings—asserted that the struggle for Middle Belt recognition is a historical necessity rather than a recent invention. He was reacting to critics who suggest the region’s identity is being used to destabilise Northern Nigerian unity.
The Persistence of Truth
Using a vivid metaphor to describe the region’s consciousness, Dr. Pogu stated, “Truth is like a fully developed pregnancy. It can’t be hidden.” He argued that the Middle Belt’s push for self-determination and a separate identity from the monolithic “Core North” is based on centuries of cultural and historical experiences that cannot be erased by political rhetoric.
The MBF leader emphasised that the region, which spans several states across Nigeria’s central corridor, has its own unique security and developmental challenges that require a tailored approach. He noted that the label “Middle Belt” is an expression of the people’s collective desire for equity and justice within the Nigerian federation.
A History of Struggle
Dr. Pogu pointed out that the region has long been at the forefront of the fight against insecurity, particularly the ongoing attacks on farming communities. He argued that those attempting to “de-manufacture” the Middle Belt are often those who benefit from the status quo, which he claims marginalises the ethnic nationalities of the central zone.
By referencing his roots in Chibok, Pogu underscored the high stakes involved in the region’s security. He maintained that the Middle Belt Forum would continue to advocate for the protection of its people and the recognition of their right to define their own political future.
National Implications
The debate over Middle Belt identity comes at a time of significant political shifting, with the region increasingly becoming a “beautiful bride” for various political coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Pogu’s remarks serve as a reminder that any successful political alliance must respect the historical and cultural boundaries that define the region.
