Is Restructuring the Missing Devt Link?
Although the current administration, under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), set up a committee look at the issue of restructuring, a firm final stance is yet to be taken by the central government. However, many analysts and personalities believ
* Indeed, restructuring is the missing development link in Nigeria; it was evident that when the country was structured along federated units each economic development was moving fast at its phase: there was competition to be the best for the people. Today development is stagnated because the centre held sway and the units are beggars; we don’t look inward to tap our resource - it is painful and shameful. - Barrister D.Y.N Maigari, Abuja
* Dilly-dallying with restructuring Nigeria is dangerous and must be avoided now. This restructuring is about aligning structures with functions in our federal system whereas governance, justice, equity, inability to mobilise and distribute national resources etc are our real drawbacks. Nigeria must be restructured along various lines for rapid and equitable development. Just and fair acts of reconciliation, integration, development, right practical and policy solutions are what we need now. Truth, patriotism, honesty e.t.c must always be our watchword too. - Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State
* Even if Nigeria is restructured today, will corruption end? At the moment, I’m not for returning to regions. More allocations and responsibilities should be devolved to the states as they are. There’s too much money and responsibility at the federal government level. If states collect 45% of federal allocations no one will want to leave Nigeria anymore. - Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State
* No, leadership is the missing link to Nigeria’s development process! - Mr. Sonny Okobi, Lagos State
* Well, people calling for restructuring of Nigeria mean well for the country but what about our leaders who steal our money meant for development? Are they going to restructure our leaders for good governance? For us to get things done properly in Nigeria, our leaders should change their mindset about stealing our commonwealth. - Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State
* Yes, every country is in a daily dialogue, nothing is finally settled in life. Stable nations are fine-tuning architectural details of their existence now and then. Are we not dealing with crisis of national building afflicting us that made it difficult to squarely face issues of growth and development? Why not restructure as promised by your party during campaign? Bring on board respected, fearless, selfless leaders and technocrats from across the geopolitical zones; giving every zone sense of belonging by addressing their genuine concerns. Also bear in mind some past leaders are in support of restructuring.
- Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna State
* Huummmmm!!! - Mr. Tunde Oketola, Lagos State
* Yes, the way in which the All Progressives Congress has set up a restructuring committee is highly commendable. I see nothing bad if they are sincere about this, so that the Nigeria citizens can absolutely react to their various proposals and contribute effectively, whether to restructure Nigeria or not. For instance the various regions in Nigeria are blessed with numerous resources, bright people, but lack the adequate planning and management. The truth is that some hardworking regions will develop more than the others. Where the country is going now is to allow each region to control their resources and make the central not too attractive, to ensure speed development, accountability and foster partnership and also reduce the security challenges which hinder development. - Mr. Michael Adedotun Oke, Founder Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Abuja
* The missing links to Nigeria’s development process are transparency, accountability, equity and ultimately, good governance - Mr. Ayode Longe, Media Rights Agenda, Lagos State
* As we are calling for restructuring of Nigeria for better representation it is good, but are we going to restructure our leaders who steal our commonwealth? We should hold our leaders responsible for bad leadership, which leads to calls for restructuring of Nigeria. What we need are good leaders who will carry everybody along because if we restructure Nigeria with bad people in governance, the problem will still be there. - Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State
* Not at all. Probity, accountability and fair redistribution of resources coupled with devolution of power to constituent units in a real federal set up is the key. All these can be accommodated in amendments to the existing constitution. Restructuring to most people equates confederation or back to regionalism. - Mr. Adekunle Funmilayo, Legal Practitioner, Lagos State
* This matter has become a hot topic right now and people weigh in from all horizons, some politicians these days even get booed for airing their views. I would say it should be the missing link, yes. However, Nigeria being the nation that it is, and Nigerians being the eclectic people that we are, I have strong reservations whether restructuring will solve anything if implemented today. - Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, Brainchild Academic Resources, Trademore Estate, Apo, Abuja
* Restructuring is not enough. The issue of responsible and accountable leadership is also very critical to our advancement. Nigeria has remained stunted for too long. - Ms Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos
* In fact restructuring is the missing link today in this country Nigeria. The call for restructuring means that we should divide this country into six zones or regions namely the core North; the Middle Belt, the West; the West; the East, the Niger Delta and the South-South. Each of the regions/zones has two or more natural resources and they are there untapped as desire for oil has closed our eyes and the way of thinking. They should disburse the resources to these regions to enable them start in earnest in developing their areas. Starting is just the problem and I tell you after some time they will forget oil. - Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna
* The Federal Government’s silence on illegal publications on Biafra calls for serious concerns. - Mr. Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State
* The present structure of Nigeria has several defects which are now manifesting in the form of agitations for secession and widespread intolerance among other things. If Nigeria must move forward, there must be restructuring along social, economic, and income distribution lines, to help douse all this tension and create a level playing ground for all ethnic groups to move forward together for a better nation. - Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State