The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has announced the appointment of new leaders to key positions within its National Executive Committee. The appointments were made during a meeting of the Forum’s National Working Committee held at its National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, 14 January 2025.
Former Deputy Secretary General Barr. Aba Ejembi was appointed as the National Secretary, succeeding Senator (Dr.) Shem Zagbayi, a former Deputy Governor of Niger State and member of the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Barr. Ejembi, a seasoned legal practitioner and expert in minority rights advocacy trained by the Minority Rights Group (UK), brings decades of experience in human rights work to his new role. He was National President of the Akpa (Akweya) Community Development Association (ACDA) and a Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO). He also served as a Director in charge of Administration at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In a chat with AkweyaTV, Barrister Ejembi said he feels highly honoured to have been entrusted with this position, which has been held by highly accomplished figures. “I am hopeful that with the support of all the members and direction from the Almighty God, we shall not fail our people,” he said.
Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the National President of the MBF, also announced Luka Biniyat as the Forum’s new Publicity Secretary. Biniyat, a veteran journalist and the Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the MBF, previously served as the Publicity Secretary of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU).
Additionally, Mr. Anthony Adda has been appointed to replace Hon. Rima Shawulu as the Deputy National Organising Secretary. Shawulu resigned from the position following his election to the House of Representatives, where he now represents Takum/Donga Constituency. Mr. Adda, a seasoned technocrat, has an extensive record of public service, including roles as Permanent Secretary, Head of Service, Commissioner of Education in Taraba State, and Federal Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission.
Hon. Emmanuel Alamu has also been promoted to the position of National Organising Secretary.
In his address, Dr. Pogu Bitrus expressed confidence in the capacity of the new appointees to serve the Middle Belt and its people. “We believe these individuals will bring their experience, energy, and dedication to bear in defending the heritage and interests of the Middle Belt region,” he said.
According to the organisation’s website, the Middle-Belt Forum is a sociocultural organisation representing the collective interests of the indigenous ethnic nationalities of the Middle-Belt region straddling Abuja FCT, Adamawa, Southern Bauchi, Southern Borno, Southern Kebbi, Gombe, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and Southern Yobe.
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