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Binniyat Emerges Chairman Of Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State Chapter
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Kaduna State chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), the umbrella organisation of all ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Saturday, July 13, 2024, elected Mr Luka Binniyat as its chairman.
The election which took place in Kaduna, was conducted by representatives of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Forum headed by Mr Emmanuel Alamu (Kebbi States) National Organising Secretary,National Legal Adviser and his deputy, Mr Mark Jacob Esq., from Kaduna State and Mr Ziggy Usman Esq., from Kebbi state.
Binniyat, who was nominated for the position of chairman of the Forum was returned unopposed as well as Mr John Haruna from Kogi State who re-elected as Secretary of the MBF.
Others officers that emerged included; Zakaria Haruna – Deputy Chairman, Stephen Samuel – Assistant Secretary, Elder Solomon Danbaki – PRO, Larai Shekari – Treasurer, Tinzwang Cephas – Auditor, lsaac Tanko – Youth Coordinator and Joseph John Pama – Deputy Director, Research and Planning.
Other elected officers were Daniel Ejembi – Vice Chairman (1), Mrs Mary Zaka – Woman Leader, Ezekiel Baba-Karik – Organising Secretary, Raphael Gwazah – Deputy Organising Secretary, Rhoda Emmanuel Dajuma – Assistant Chairman (2), Dauda Sunda Gwagzwang – Director, Research and Documentation, John Yashim – Deputy Youth Coordinator, lshakun Yohana Madaki, Evangelist Daniel M Mashan – History and Documentation, Ibrahim Aminu Kobo – Vice Chairman (3), Haruna Demon – ex-officio and
Nicodemus B Bakuyaye – Assistant PRO.
After the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections, Mr Mark Jacob, administer oath of office and allegiance on the new executive committee members of the MBF, Kaduna State chapter and later inaugurated by Mr Emmanuel Alamu on behalf of the National President of the Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu.
Present at the election, was Hon Jonathan Asake, a former Youth leader of the Forum who was also the former president of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU).
In his remarks, Hon Asake said that the MBF was a continuation of the struggle of the ethnic nationalities of Northern Nigeria for justice, equity and development against domineering tendencies of a section of the country since post independent Nigeria.
In his words; “I am happy to see that today, the seeds of the struggle sowed by the founders of the MDF are still alive and thriving. I have known Luka Binniyat for over 40 years since we were boys and what has kept our friendship over the year is our stand against tyranny and the oppression of our people.
“I can vouch that he will give the MDF, Kaduna state Chapter the desired leadership if he gets the cooperation of his executive and members”.
Speaking in turn, Mr Mark Jacob urged the Binniyat-led executive committee not to think that they are going into having a tea party.
Jacob said; “I have lost a lot of clients and many friends because of my stand for the Middle. If you are not ready to make sacrifices and take risks as Luka Binniyat, who has been to jail for our people, then you have no business in this executive.
“The President of the MDF, Dr Bitrus Pogu and the NWC regards Kaduna state as a very vital part of the MBF and believe that we shall not disappoint them”.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Binniyat said that all residents of Kaduna state and natives to the 14 states of the Middle Belt States will get fair representation as well as all the ethnic groups of Kaduna state spread across 13 Local Government Areas.
In the words of Binniyat: “I want to continue with the courageous leadership of Dr Bitrus Pogu, our National President, to project, promote and defend the interest and values of the Middle Belt in Kaduna States.
“We have a government in Kaduna state today that is not belligerent and hateful to our people and the Middle Belt unlike the immediate past one. We shall encourage it to do more, but we shall not be timid in pointing out its areas of deficiency,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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