With the recent pockets of violence spreading throughout the country, there has been talk of restructuring the country. Come 2019 elections, politicians will likely move from the buzzword 'change' to 'restructuring'.
Basically the talk of restructuring means that many feel like the centre or federal government which is vested with the control of all resources is too powerful.
And to them, the way out is to return the ownership of these resources to states or geo-political zones which may then pay taxes to run the government at the centre.
Below are some facts to know about restructuring:
1. Nnamdi Kanu says no
NAIJ.com recently reported that Nnamdi Kanu has said he does not believe in the restructuring of Nigeria being called by eminent Nigerians, saying that Nigerian government would not keep any agreement reached in the restructuring exercise.
According to him, it is referendum or nothing. He said Aburi agreement was reneged on by Nigerian government and that the 2014 National Conference was dumped where it was coated by dust until the Biafra agitation became intense and it was remembered.
2. Ibrahim Babangida says yes
According to Daily Post, the former military Head of State, Gen Ibrahim Babangida(rtd) on Monday, June 26, 2017, said the time has come for Nigeria to restructure.
He made the remark while appealing to Nigerians to refrain from making hate speeches which, according to him led to a 20-month civil war.
These were his words: “For example, restructuring has become a national appeal as we speak, whose time has come.
"I will strongly advocate for devolution of powers to the extent that more responsibilities be given to the states while the Federal Government is vested with the responsibility to oversee our foreign policy, defense, and economy."
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3. Atiku Abubakar in support
In a recent post on NAIJ.com, the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, in a statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja, on June 28, 2017, explained that the agitation for secession would not have arisen if the country had shown sincere readiness to address the underlying problems that fed the agitations by separatist forces.
According to Abubakar, the restructuring debate transcends the ambition of any single politician in Nigeria.
He said any attempt to ignore the agitations could make a bad situation more complicated, stressing that with so much hate, distrust, suspicions and fears in the country, political leaders should not be afraid to confront the challenge.
4. Akin Osuntokun
The former managing director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and presidential adviser to Olusegun Obasanjo when he was in power, Akin Osuntokun is also in support of it.
"Restructuring or more precisely, restoration of federalism is a proactive holistic measure that takes into cognisance where we are coming from, the liabilities we have acquired and then say that on the basis of this assessment, this is your health status-prognosis, and these are things you need to avoid.
"So, restructuring is a strategic contemplation and response to the deficiency/strength make up of Nigeria and how you then take all those things into consideration and device a plan going forward," he said.
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5. Ohanaeze Youth Council says no
The Ohanaeze Youths Council (OYC), said it would reject any restructuring of Nigeria carried out by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it would not reflect equity and fairness.
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