Ojiakor, Abua Differ on Nigeria’s Political Stability, Restructuring
Former Ambassador to Switzerland, Humphrey Ojiakor and the Head, Youth Development Centre in Abuja, Mr. John Abua, yesterday differed in their opinions on the political stability and structure of the country.
Ojiakor Abua who were guest on ARISE Television, THISDAY sister news network, spoke on the state of the Nigerian economy, but differed in their arguments on how best to reposition the country for national development.
While Ojiakor was of the view that Nigeria needs restructuring to fast-track development, Abua said what Nigeria needs was beyond political restructuring, but enlightened minds with critical thinking.
He said restructuring without developing the people would do the country no good. He said the greatest challenge of the country is lack of development, arguing that people must be developed beyond tribalism and favoritism.
Abua argued that political restructuring would not address the challenges of the youths and that Nigeria needed leaders with critical thinking that could turn things around fast.
He equally said restructuring would not bring about unity, while stressing the need for developing the minds of leaders to think fast.
But Ojiakor, in his argument, said if the political structure of the country is addressed, it would lead to development of people, including the youths.
Ojiakor who blamed the country’s woes on corruption and bad leadership, insisted that total restructuring of the country would address every challenge currently facing the country.
According to him, the idea of state governors going to Abuja to get their state allocation (national cake), is a faulty political structure, that must be addressed through proper restructuring of the political setting of the country.
Abua however, insisted that the development of critical minds was the best solution to address the nation’s challenges.
He faulted a situation where 80 per cent of the country’s revenue goes to recurring expenditure and a situation where the minority interest does not count in a country like Nigeria. He said the best way to address the anomalies was to develop minds and raise leaders with best critical thinking.