Middle Belt bishops have expressed their desire for Nigeria to have a president from the region in 2023. The clerics from the Middle Belt Bishops Council criticised the fact that not a single president who had occupied Aso Rock Presidential Villa originated from the region.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Bishop Edward William also said that the lack of presidential candidates from the region showed that people from the Middle Belt region are treated as second or third rate citizens.
“We in the Middle Belt are tired of being mere passengers and onlookers in this vehicle called Nigeria,” said the bishop. “The impression is being created that political power at the highest echelon is a ping pong game between the far north and the south, while the Middle Belt is a mere net to be used in scoring points.”
“We as spiritual fathers and watchers in the Middle Belt have, therefore, decided it is time for us to also stake our claims in this project called Nigeria. Now is the time to be assured that we are equal stakeholders and not second or third rate citizens in Nigeria.
“Nigeria has the opportunity to correct the injustices meted out on the people of the Middle Belt. We make bold to say the Middle Belt is the thread that knits Nigeria together. Now is the time to make us feel integral in the affairs of our fatherland.”
