Nigeria in dire need of restructuring, Bode George insists
FORMERDEPUTY National Vice Chairman ( Southwest) of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Chieftain, Bode George yesterday lamented the state of the country, saying the system of government being run is archaic and not to the people’s advantage.
George also warned those who are calling for a MuslimMuslim ticket in the presidential election to desist from such, saying Nigeria is too divided for that.
George who spoke at a media briefing in Lagos, stressed that only restructuring would set the country on the path of growth and development, while also harping on the need to bring governance closer to the people.
While calling for the establishment of state police to curb the numerous security challenges facing the country, he stated that the current constitution is not good for democracy, as it is too centralised,.
George also condemned religious intolerance and tribal sentiments that have dominated the national narrative, saying the Presidential candidates must speak in clear terms what they would do to tone it down.
The PDP chieftain also lamented the money paid for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) saying that was a waste, as many of the candidates stepped down. He added that such funds could have been used for the good of the youth in the country.
He said: “The current constitution is fake. It is good for a military organisation not a civilian set up or democracy. It is too centralised, power- centred, and not working for God’s sake and we are not going to re- invent any wheel.
“The constitutional conference of 2014 should be revisited and reviewed to address the current issues we have. Nothing is working in Nigeria, we have tried it since 1999; where are we? Everybody is running to Abuja, all resources go to Abuja after which it is redistributed based on certain criteria. Why can’t every state be allowed to work for its own development? There is no part of this nation that God hasn’t endowed with one major resource or the other.
“Let’s start with those resources, because if you want to survive, you will look for an avenue for money in your state and you will be held fully responsible if you mismanage those funds. It won’t be that your family members are the ones controlling the state and you appropriate everything to yourself. The people will challenge you.
“The Federal Government will still be there, a certain percentage will be set side to maintain the centre. Let’s bring governance closer to our people so they can have the impact necessary to lift the standard of living. It will become a competition and there will be regional cooperation too.”