By Teddy Daniel
The first-ever Fire Convocation of Middle Belt Nations has called on political parties and candidates to present clear, measurable and region-specific development plans, stressing that electoral support should be based on practical solutions rather than general campaign promises.
The convocation made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its three-day meeting at Throneroom Ministries, Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
It said political programmes should demonstrate how candidates intend to address the peculiar challenges of the Middle Belt and other regions of the country, particularly in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment and inclusive governance.
The gathering emphasised that the people of the Middle Belt should carefully examine the proposals of political parties before committing their support, insisting that candidates must provide clear details of how their promises would translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
It urged political parties to move beyond political rhetoric and demonstrate a genuine understanding of the aspirations of communities affected by insecurity, poverty and inadequate development.
The communiqué also stressed the need for greater political participation, urging the people to vote, contest elective positions and hold public office holders accountable for their decisions and performance.
It noted that meaningful change would require organised participation, purposeful leadership and sustained engagement with elected representatives to ensure that the needs of the people are reflected in government policies and programmes.
The convocation further called for unity among the people of the Middle Belt, alongside a review of the regionalisation formula to address existing imbalances, including through the creation of additional states.
Participants at the convocation also deliberated on insecurity, community protection, Christian unity and the need for constructive action to promote peace, justice and sustainable development
The three day gathering, led by the Vision Pioneer of Throneroom Trust Ministries, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, brought together church leaders from across the fifteen Middle Belt states and the Federal Capital Territory, elder statesmen, affected families and experts in peace and conflict journalism, research and advocacy.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
