By Emeka Okafor
Despite the deafening calls for restructuring as the solution to the myriad of challenges confronting the country, former President Goodluck Jonathan is not convinced that restructuring alone can move the nation forward.
Jonathan is of the view that restructuring will not solve the gamut of Nigeria’s problems unless fundamental challenges of tribalism and nepotism are properly tackled.
The former president who made his position known in Abuja at the 18th edition of Daily Trust Dialogue, argued that Nigerians should first of all restructure their minds against nepotism, ethnic and religious differences before thinking of fiscal restructuring.
But a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega; a chieftain of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo; and immediate past president general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, John Nwodo disagreed with the ex-president.
The trio argued that for Nigeria to make the desired progress, there is urgent need to restructure.
Speaking during the dialogue, Jonathan said: “My conviction is that discussion on restructuring will not help except we restructure our minds because of the area they come from, the language they speak or their religious belief.
ALSO READ: 2023: Yoruba Leaders Endorse Tinubu For Presidency
“Take a look at how local government elections are conducted at the state level. Why is it very difficult for an opposition to win a chairmanship or councilorship seat in a state, despite the fact that same party probably secured seats in the State Assembly and National Assembly elections, organised by a federal election management body.
“This shows that restructuring alone may not solve all the anomalies in the system.
“I believe that restructuring for a better nation is good, but there are other fundamental issues we should also address. We cannot restructure in isolation without tackling the challenges that polarise our nation. These include nepotism, ethnic and religious differences as well as lack of patriotism.
“The issues of tribe and religion have continued to limit our unity and progress, as a nation.”
On his part, Adebanjo stated that the present constitution was fraudulent and does not reflect the yearnings of Nigerians.
Speaking virtually, the Afenifere chieftain said: “Why we are clamouring for restructuring is because the present Constitution is fraudulent. It is not the constitution of the people.
“We want a constitution that will bring peace and unity in the country. And when we talk of federalism, there is a political philosophy to earn it.
“It is not just a philosophy that you get from the air. Restructuring is important now which is backed with federalism. All the problems we are having today is because of the constitution.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Check List Of 17 Executive Orders Signed By President Joe Biden
In addition, former President- General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nwodo, argued that the country should be restructured as it would help every region to establish public services.
He added: “We must restructure to reduce insecurity in our country. While other crimes may not have been reported, the continued menace of the Boko Haram in the North East and consequent decapitation of our civilians and soldiers continue unabated.”
“We must do all we can to restructure before the next election in 2023, because the level of dissatisfaction in the country as evidenced by the last ENDSARS protest gives one the impression that any delay may lead to a mass boycott or disruption of the next elections to the point that we may have a more serious constitutional crisis of a nation without a government.”
On his part, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, said the best approach to effect restructuring would be to “reduce powers and resources of the federal government specified in the Federal and Concurrent Legislative List;
“Increase powers and resources of the state governments on the State Legislative List; devolve powers and resources from the states to the local governments; require the states to create ‘Development Areas’, as the lower level tier of governance at the grassroots level, below the LGAs, and, accordingly, review the resources allocation/revenue sharing formula between federal, states (and local governments) taking into consideration the new sharing of power and responsibilities.”
