Ramadan: Middle belt calls for restructuring over schools closure in Northern states
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly opposed the recent closure of both public and private schools in parts of Kebbi and Southern Bauchi, regions it considers integral to the Middle Belt in northern Nigeria.
In a statement released on Sunday in Kaduna by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF denounced the move as a clear indication of the long-standing fears held by non-Muslims in these states—that the enforcement of Sharia law does not differentiate between followers of Islam and those who practice other religions.
According to Binniyat, the decision is unfair to non-Muslim students, who will face major disruptions in their education.
He argued that it is unjust for these students to be affected simply because some Muslims in these areas wish to observe religious obligations.
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The MBF further condemned the directive, likening it to the ideology of Boko Haram, which opposes Western education.
The forum warned that Nigerians should not ignore this development, as it could set a dangerous precedent.
The group renewed its call for the restructuring of Nigeria, pointing to the rising intolerance faced by non-Muslims in certain states.
Binniyat stressed the increasing need to address this issue, given the ongoing restrictions on religious freedoms and personal liberties.
The MBF called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent these states from embracing religious extremism. It urged him to protect the rights of non-Muslims and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly under the law.
Binniyat also criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for not taking a stronger stand in maintaining Nigeria’s secular identity, arguing that such challenges might have been avoided if he had done so.
He urged President Tinubu to learn from the past and take decisive action to uphold the rights of all citizens against policies rooted in religious discrimination.
