According to the report from the Sun, the President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu addressed the Fulani’s call for secession from Nigeria and questioned the legitimacy of their claim to represent the Arewa people.
He argued that the Fulani have long dominated Arewa politics and expressed confidence that even indigenous Hausa people would reject their demands for separation.
Pogu emphasized the historical context of the Fulani’s arrival in the region, asserting that they have only been present for approximately 200 years, whereas the indigenous Hausa population has deeper roots in the land.
He expressed disappointment in the Fulani’s decision to seek separation, despite their long-standing influence within Arewa, and suggested that the broader community would not accept their terms.
Pogu’s statement reflects a complex political dynamic within the region, highlighting the historical, ethnic, and power-related factors that underlie tensions between different groups.
According to Bitrus Pogu, “Thank God that the Fulani, who people are running away from, now also want to go. If they are talking of Arewa; who are the Arewa people? Arewa has been and it is still being dominated by the Fulani people. As we are saying no to what they are saying, when the chips are down, I can tell you that even our indigenous Hausa would come to say, no. You can go, you met us here; we are indigenous to this land, you are the ones who came here about 200 years ago and if you feel you want to go your way, we are sorry that we cannot dance to your tune. So, it is unfortunate that the people who have been dominating the political space are now the ones saying that they want to go.”
