“Restructuring alone will not solve Nigeria’s problem”-Ex President
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan says restructuring alone cannot solve the country’s problems and cannot be done in isolation.
Ex President Jonathan called for the issues of nepotism, ethnic and religious bias to be addressed.
He stated this on Thursday while speaking at a dialogue on restructuring in Abuja.
He noted that Nigerians must restructure their minds because the issues at the national level still exist at the state and local levels.
The former President, was emphatic that restructuring alone would not solve the multi-faced problems of the country.
He said he was opposed to the idea of a one party state as well as a unitary system of government as a solution to ethnic and cultural diversity.
He said: “I believe that federalism and liberal multiparty democracy offer by far the best opportunities for good governance in our multi-ethnic nation.”
He maintained that the issues of tribe and religion have continued to limit the unity and progress of the nation.
“The point I am emphasising is that restructuring on its own without love of country, national unity, unifying leadership and building of strong institutions and values may not take us to our destination.
“As leaders at different levels we should encourage a healthy conversation on restructuring and reforms that stir national pride and love and faith of our citizens in our beloved country. Nigeria is still the greatest gift history has bestowed on us, with her huge potential for greatness, prosperity and happiness for all our people and future generations.
“Nigeria is a country of great men of intellect across the globe. We have arable land with abundant rain that grows almost everything. There are rich mineral resources buried under the soil across the entire landscape. We are a gateway to the Atlantic that habours the wealth of nations. There is no part of our country that has nothing to offer the nation, if we do things right. Let us nurture what we have for the good of all our people.
“Like every other nation, Nigeria is a project in progress and should confidently discuss her experiences and fashion out solutions to improve on her performance and the wellbeing of all citizens.
“We should all do our little best to overcome the challenges we face, and work hard to reposition our country for a greater and more prosperous tomorrow for our children,” Jonathan added.
The immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo John Nwodo, while delivering his speech said that Nigeria must restructure before the 2023 general elections.
According to him, “We must change the constitution of the country as the 1999 constitution was not produced by the majority of Nigerians.”
NP/Confidence Okwuchi
