Politics
Middle Belt Minorities Demand Secession From The North, Others at Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary
As Nigeria marked its 64th independence anniversary, the Middle Belt (MB) minorities, commonly referred to as the North Central or Northern minorities, have openly called for secession from the North and other regions of the country.
The Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Ethnic Organizations (CIMBO) made the declaration during a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, the eve of the country’s 64th independence celebration. In an elaborate presentation, the coalition’s chairman, Mr. Timothy B. Gandu, expressed their dissatisfaction with decades of marginalization, stressing the need for the Middle Belt to be recognized as a distinct region.
“We do not want to be North, West, East, or South of Nigeria. We demand to be properly situated and known as the Middle Belt. We are a majority in our minority and demand that the 2014 National Conference report be activated. Our indigenous ethnic groups are tired of the mischief of being referred to as the ‘Minorities’ of the North,” Gandu stated.
The coalition also supported calls for a new constitution and urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure true democracy thrives. They rejected the idea of government-selected zonal representatives for the drafting of a new constitution, preferring a referendum that includes all groups.
“We have shed enough innocent blood over two decades in Nigeria,” the statement added, advocating for democratic reforms, state creation, and a new constitution.
The indigenous minority also pointed to the successes of smaller nations, like Singapore and Qatar, to counter the argument that smaller states in Nigeria would not be viable.
The coalition, representing over 400 ethnic groups across Adamawa, Benue, Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and other northern regions, called on the government to recognize their long-standing grievances and embrace a new constitutional arrangement that provides a voice for the Middle Belt.
As Nigeria commemorates its 64th independence, the Middle Belt’s cry for equity, fairness, and justice resounds, with demands for representation and an end to the decades-long marginalization they have endured.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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