As the agitation for a possible dissolution of the Nigerian federation continues via break-up eminent South-West individuals and leaders of thought have again renewed their call for an urgent restructuring of the country.
They gave conditions which include massive devolution of powers, resource control, introduction of state police among others if Nigeria is to remain united as one indivisible country.
The meeting was held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State themed “Restructuring Nigeria: Options and strategies.”
The Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae while speaking said that the renewed agitation in the country has made it absolutely necessary for the issue of restructuring to be addressed if the country is to remain united and have a future.
Eminent personalities from the South West geopolitical zone who were at the occasion include the former Editor of the TELL Magazine, Mr Dare Babarinsa; veteran journalist, Mr Eric Teniola,
Others are Professor Professor Amos Akingba and the administrator of the group, Chief Kole Omololu, Special Adviser to the Oyo State governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Osun State Signage, Hoarding and Advertisement Agency, Mrs Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo.
Speaking further Chief Falae maintained that the best way forward for the country “lies in the implementation of the 2014 national Conference report,” adding that the regionalism and devolution of powers currently being advocated is to ensure that the country made progress.
“What we have come to discuss is a big subject in Nigeria years ago. Not long ago the new president, my friend, said it was non-issue and that the report of the national CONFAB had not been read. But that subject has become topical and like I said in my recent interview, the restructuring of Nigeria via the report of the national conference is the future of Nigeria, if Nigeria has a future. The options for restructuring are many.
“We went to Abuja for a regional agenda but on getting there, the Middle Belters were scared of it but I am happy that in recent times, they are at the forefront that regionlism it shall be. I called my friend, Jerry Gana and asked what had happened and he said they had had a change of mind.
“Change must come but not the partisan change that has no meaning. Massive devolution of powers, responsibilities and resources must take place from the centre to the federating units. I want to add that the devolution will not stop at the old regional capitals of power. It must continue to the states created in the regions and the local government, which is where our people reside.”
In his keynote address, Professor Akingba maintained that while the like of the Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, gave the region sound education, good roads and hospitals, those amenities and good developments were fast being eroded, noting that this has made restructuring imperative.
He stated that Nigeria had begun to break and that restructuring remained the only way out, noting that the 2014 National Conference was able to address critical issues of region/states, devolution of powers, resource control and state policing and that had the report been implemented, it would have address the current threats of ethnic violence.
Akingba, who warned that the recent threats against the Igbo in the North was a threat against the Yoruba and the entire Southern Nigeria, lamented that the Yoruba people were already under siege from Fulani herdsmen and Fulani oligarchy, who he said were in control of the military today.
“We the war front; restructuring is not going to be easy, because the Yoruba are surrounded and the Igbo are ready, but are we ready? Restructuring is no longer about politics; it is about tribes and this is why there must be a strategic realignment among the ethnic groups of Southern Nigeria to rescue ourselves from the Hausa/Fulani, who do not want restructuring.”
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