By: Our Reporter
Kaduna – May 23, 2025
The Youth Wing of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has issued a strongly worded rebuttal discrediting Emmanuel Zopmal’s claims to the position of National Youth Leader of the MBF, describing his recent actions and public statements as misleading, defamatory, and a threat to the unity of the Forum.
In a statement signed by Barr. Iliya Ashokpa, National Secretary of the Youth Wing, and endorsed by youth coordinators from over a dozen states, the Forum expressed outrage over an opinion article authored by Zopmal titled “Middle Belt Forum Now a Kangaroo Forum.” The article, according to the Youth Wing, “is riddled with falsehoods, malicious intentions, and a personal vendetta aimed at discrediting the Forum’s leadership.”
The statement condemned what it described as Zopmal’s “disrespectful language” directed at MBF President Dr. Pogu Bitrus and the National Working Committee (NWC), adding that his conduct betrays the values of respect and discipline upheld by Middle Belt youth.
The Origins of the Rift
The MBF Youth Wing traced Zopmal’s involvement in the Forum back to his days as a university student leader between 2012 and 2013. Following a 2017 leadership transition facilitated by a selection committee led by the late Dr. Bala Takaya, Zopmal was appointed as the North-Central Youth Coordinator—not National Youth Leader.
“His persistent claims to this title amount to impersonation and reflect desperation unbecoming of anyone purporting to offer voluntary service to a noble cause,” the statement read.
The Forum further alleged that Zopmal was entrusted with managing relief funds meant for victims of violence in Jos but failed to provide any credible account of the monies. The incident led to serious friction with the NWC and an eventual disengagement from youth activities for almost two years.
New Leadership, Renewed Focus
In response to the leadership vacuum, the Youth wing of the Forum explained that after due consultation, state youth coordinators held an internal election which saw Brent Kane emerge as the new and legitimate National Youth Leader. Kane has since been actively involved in MBF affairs and fully recognized by the NWC, unlike Zopmal, who “has never attended an NWC meeting and continues to gatecrash events under false pretenses.”
The statement detailed recent achievements under the leadership of Dr. Pogu Bitrus and the NWC, including the acquisition and ongoing construction of a national secretariat in Abuja, the adoption of a new constitution, and support for displaced communities.
A Final Warning
While acknowledging Zopmal’s earlier contributions, the Forum warned that he has “derailed into selfish ambition and material pursuit,” and urged members of the public and stakeholders to refrain from engaging him in any official capacity on behalf of the MBF.
“Let it be reaffirmed that Emmanuel Zopmal is not the National Youth Leader of the Middle Belt Forum. Anyone who engages with him in that capacity does so at their own risk,” the statement concluded.
The press release was jointly signed by Youth Coordinators from Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Yobe, Borno, and others, reaffirming their unwavering support for the current leadership.
