Mbula Community Rejects Creation Of Bengo State For Alleged Exclusion And Marginalization

Mbula Community rejects creation of Bengo state for alleged exclusion and marginalization

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

Mbula Community through its Mbula Elders forum from Demsa local government area in Adamawa state reject creation of Bengo state for alleged exclusion and marginalization of its people.

The forum frown at what it termed “exclusionary tactics” in the proposed Bengo state, therefore calls for equitable representation

Spokesman and General Secretary of the forum, Chief Elisha Y. Nicodemus at a press conference in Yola Weekend registered their dismay on the move decrying that, the initiative as currently structured, undermines the rights, heritage and political representation of their people.

Recall that, agitations for creation of more states greeted the political landscape of the country recently, where memorandums were sent by interested Nigerians to the National Assembly in that regard for consideration as provided by the constitution which availed some communities in parts of Adamawa to sent a request for creation of Bengo state.

Chief Nicodemus said that the Mbula Elders forum is alarmed and gravely concerned about some critical issues in the proposed Bengo state which pose significant threat to the well being and livelihoods of Mbula Communities as well as justice,socio-economic development,self-determination and promotion of equitable political representation enshrined in the Nigeria’s constitutional principles.

Nicodemus stated that the Mbula Community or Nation stands firmly for the Nigeria’s unity and progress but reject any attempt to institutionalize inequality which Bengo state creation advanced urging the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of Constitution of the Federal Republic 1999 (As Amended) to dismiss this proposal in its current form, as it disregards historical, cultural, and political equity for the Mbula Nation.

“Your prompt intervention to address these concerns will uphold the principles of justice and inclusivity enshrined in our Constitution.

“Ensure a comprehensive review led by impartial stakeholders to ensure equitable representation for all ethnic groups in Adamawa State.

“And a transparent consultative process to address historical grievances and foster unity,” Nicodemus said.

He noted that the proposal is a deeply flawed initiative aimed at perpetuating the systemic marginalization and political condemnation of the Mbula people for no just reason.

Nicodemus who said the Mbula people are not averse to the move for the creation of Bango State, however noted that Mbula people will only key into the agitation if those calling for its creation take a volte face and reverse the invidious marginalization of their people.

He noted that some of the perceived injustice meted to the Mbula people include deliberate exclusion of the people during consultations, unfair allocation of local government areas and lopsided delineation of constituencies, amongst other perceived ill-treatment.

“The proposal for Bengo State which is circulating widely on social media was drafted without any consultation with the Mbula nation. Such exclusion violates principles of participatory governance and democratic inclusion.

“The Mbula people governed by a first class monarch predominantly inhabit Demsa LG with 11 districts and have significant populations in critical Mbula majority areas such as Girei, Numan and Shelleng but despite that the authors of the proposal allocates only one LG to Mbula nation out of 15 LGAs,” he said.