Restructuring As Nigeria’s Final Lap

By Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa

Some weeks ago, news broke out that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was in talks with the government of Zamfara State to buy five billion naira worth of gold.

Many were shell-shocked at such strange development, given the position of the federal government on issues of mines and minerals as part of the items listed in the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution, which has hitherto been held as being the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government. Though the CBN and Zamfara state have offered some feeble defences on this transaction, it has raised fresh agitations within the Niger-Delta region, which has been denied control and use of minerals within their territory.

The Zamfara gold has only thrown open the absurdity of the present unitary government of Nigeria stylishly termed federal. The new slogan in the Niger-Delta that has trended online is: ‘if Zamfara can sell gold, Niger-Delta can retain and sell its oil’.

Whether this is right or wrong is not the issue presently but rather that these fundamental contradictions have only highlighted the need for restructuring of the federation to achieve an equal sense of belonging by all the federating units.

The regions should be allowed to develop their resources according to their capacities and through mutual agreements, they can engage in bilateral commercial arrangements that will allow exchange of goods and services between themselves. What this translates to is that the federal government has to shed weight, very urgently.

Though it is not expressly stated in the demands of the organisers of the EndSARS protest, the entirety of their agitation speaks of a genuine desire for change, contrary to the slogans of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) and the deceptions of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), these many years.

What the protesters are yearning for is nothing but a call for restructuring. The youth are tired of the status quo and ‘audio promises’, as they have now labelled the empty statements of the politicians. To imagine that we have had to remind APC of its own promise voluntarily made to restructure Nigeria, by amending the Constitution to achieve devolution of power is nothing but betrayal.

The EndSARS protest is thus a loud testimony of the demand for restructuring. Never in our history have we seen it like this, with people from all sectors of our national life uniting for a cause. Now, everything that should define our nationhood is in shambles; from insecurity to a dwindling economy, decayed infrastructure, corrupt leadership and over-bloated bureaucracy, there is cause for us all to worry about Nigeria.

What has made the situation worse now is that the President seems to be living in denial of the true facts of the imminent disintegration of the foundation of the nation, given the utterances of his spokespersons, to the protests.

The mood of the nation since the Edo State governorship election should have given enough warning signals to the powers that be as to the angst of Nigerians over certain unpalatable policies of the government.

How do we cope with rising inflation, increase in electricity tariff and insecurity across the land?

Everybody has now voted for restructuring, from South-South leaders in PANDEF, to Northern leaders in NCF, South-West leaders in Afenifere, South-East leaders in Ohaneze Ndigbo and indeed Middle-Belt leaders. The question then is this: who is opposed to restructuring or frustrating its manifestation?

Some people ask for the meaning and nature of restructuring. It is very simple. Restructuring means fiscal federalism or resource control, state police and devolution of powers to the States and Local Governments, which will empower every part of the union for greater productivity.

Before the 1966 military incursion, Nigeria was practising true federalism, whereby the regions controlled their resources as autonomous political territories. With over 250 ethnic nationalities, diverse cultures, multiple faiths and irreconcilable historical experiences, federalism is the only suitable form of government for Nigeria.

To insist on anything contrary to federalism for this nation is to ask for its eventual balkanization. Today, of the 37 units making up Nigeria, only one of them is viable, being the Federal Government.

The 774 local governments areas merely exist in name, almost choked out of any meaningful impact, by the states. The states and Local Governments cannot functionally respond to critical issues in their locations without the intervention of the Federal Government. That is unacceptable.

Why should Lagos and Kano states not be allowed to grow their separate economies in accordance with their growth, capacities and resources?

Sao Paulo is the second richest city in Brazil with a GDP that exceeds those of countries like Argentina and Paraguay. In Australia, there is healthy competition between the regions in mining, agriculture and industries. The monthly IGR of Lagos State is now in excess of N300 billion, which exceeds those of five countries in Africa. How do we hold down the development of such a state in the name of unitary federalism?

I got this post through one of my WhatsApp groups and it speaks to the current state of affairs of Nigeria. Please read along with me.

“It’s difficult to comment on this EndSARs protest. The reasons are not far-fetched. The Govt has responded reasonably well to almost all demands and in record time too. One wonders why the youths are still protesting. If it’s based on the reasons stated by the time the protesters started the Govt has done well. But, truth be said, in my own opinion, the protest has continued because people are just angry with the way the country is. They are disillusioned with the governance of the country. They have been patient and hoped for change, the Govt keeps claiming Nigeria is getting better but to the common man he knows his life is not particularly better now than the way it was in 2015. It is even open to discussion if it has not gotten worse! Based on facts, these protesters can’t logically argue why they are still on the street, but deep down he/she knows it’s difficult to palpate the change that has been so much anticipated from this Govt.

I know this because I saw how people prepared for the botched Labour strike. People hitherto supporters of the Govt were ready to hit the streets to tell PMB in particular that they are disappointed in him. The consensus and support amongst different stakeholders in the country for that strike has been unprecedented for this administration. I knew it then that the Govt was lucky to make Labour back down. But alas! People were just waiting for the opportunity.

Why are they angry? The petrol and electricity hike, I guess was what tipped people over. Let us not forget that this administration has increased PMS price before but the streets were silent. The reason in my opinion was simple. Majority still had some confidence in PMB. That is no longer the case. That support base has waned seriously. Those who tell the President otherwise are deceiving him. While the Govt may still have some justification for the PMS hike, the people cannot fathom the basis to keep paying crazily more for the electricity that is just not there. And to add salt to injury, you can be in the same street and you have different rates for electricity under the guise of cost reflective tariff!

And what do we say about the cost of food in the land? Well the ever increasing inflation rate should answer that. A bag of rice now is more than the minimum wage! Yeah, the people were patient to see the results of the rice revolution. They anticipated. They waited. Now, Nigeria is said to be the highest producer of rice in Africa. Bravo! But what is the explanation for this killing increase in price. Before the revolution, rice was between 5k and 8k. Now, so-called local rice is hovering around 25k, foreign above 30k. Even if we are expected to jettison the foreign, why is the local this expensive? Why? We can continue to give excuses for the Govt, but what the common man wants is just to eat. If they can’t afford chicken peri-peri at least they should be able to eat pocket-friendly local rice. I don’t think that is too much to ask for. Check other food stuffs, Garri, bread etc, just getting totally out of hand.

At a point, the only argument left for the administration was that at least security is getting better. But can we still say that in all confidence? BH is increasingly getting bold all over again. But even if we say the capacity of BH is not like 2015 and preceding years, what do we say about the spreading menace of bandits? Kidnapping is now a national emergency even if the Govt hasn’t declared it so. Yet call to rejig the security apparatus has met deaf ears. People have even questioned if the President is aware in time, place and person!

So in my opinion it’s disillusion in the governance of the country that is behind this agitation. EndSARs just provided the opportunity. They want to tell the President in clear terms – You are not doing well!! Perhaps some of us feel its political jobbers that are behind this. I don’t think so. Obviously they want to take advantage of it and they will do it. If we notice some of the protesters have tried in their own little way to ward off political opportunists but surely this kind of protest won’t last without some funding. Those who wish to create anarchy in the land will surely seize the opportunity. They had wanted to bring the President /administration down from day 1. They threw several things to make the people rise against it but consistently the masses had looked away. They actually had trust in the Man at the centre until now. It is not strange that opportunists cash in on things like this. Lest we forget, a similar thing happened during the protest against the last administration. Tables have turned now, nobody should cry foul.

I hope the President is reading this whole scenario well. I hope he gets the right message from it. His legacy is obviously being questioned. He should be mindful of what he will be remembered for. He can’t blame anybody, he asked for this position three times before he was given on the fourth time asking. He also has the luxury of a renewed mandate. History will not accept any excuse from him.”

I have nothing more to add, save to call upon the President to do the needful, NOW!

Related Articles

152 COMMENTS

  1. First off I would like to say terrific blog! I had a quick question in which
    I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and
    clear your head before writing. I have had trouble clearing my
    mind in getting my ideas out. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems
    like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any
    ideas or tips? Thank you!

    My web-site; Cortney

  2. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot
    of completely unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of
    it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know
    any ways to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d certainly
    appreciate it.

    Feel free to surf to my web page … https://kikipedia.win/wiki/Lies_And_Rattling_Lies_About_Minecraft_Server

  3. I feel that is among the most vital info for me. And i am satisfied studying your article.
    But should statement on some basic issues, The website style
    is perfect, the articles is in point of fact excellent :
    D. Excellent job, cheers

    Look into my web site starinform.ru

  4. I truly love your site.. Excellent colors & theme.
    Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my very own website and would
    love to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named.
    Cheers!

    My web page; beastlored.com

  5. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright
    infringement? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up
    all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being ripped off?
    I’d really appreciate it.

    Check out my web blog … teafish.cc

  6. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
    each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same
    comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Appreciate it!

    Also visit my site – dammwild.Net

  7. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog.
    I really hope to view the same high-grade blog
    posts by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own site
    now 😉

    Feel free to visit my web-site … kinofilm2017.ru

  8. First of all I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t
    mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
    I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my
    ideas out. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it
    just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just
    trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
    Appreciate it!

    My blog post: https://telegra.ph/Minecraft-Java-Download-Do-You-Actually-Need-It-This-Will-Allow-You-To-Decide-05-11

  9. Just want to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clearness in your publish is just nice
    and that i could think you’re knowledgeable in this subject.
    Fine together with your permission allow me to seize your feed to keep updated with impending post.
    Thanks one million and please carry on the gratifying work.

    Feel free to visit my web site – https://ours.Co.in

  10. Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months
    of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to stop
    hackers?

    Also visit my blog post urlscan.io

  11. My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the
    expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on various websites for about a year and am
    concerned about switching to another platform.

    I have heard great things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content
    into it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Feel free to surf to my blog post … 11vue.com

  12. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the
    internet the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked
    while people think about worries that they just do not know about.

    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

    Stop by my blog post :: sportcar.moscow

  13. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you
    knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter
    updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite
    some time and was hoping maybe you would have
    some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into
    anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I
    look forward to your new updates.

    Check out my web site :: http://yuanyuanzhijia.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=265410

  14. I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good
    topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

    Feel free to visit my blog post: worchat.com

  15. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources
    back to your site? My website is in the very same niche as yours
    and my users would certainly benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks!

    my blog: malnaja7.com

  16. First of all I would like to say great blog!
    I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your
    head before writing. I have had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.

    I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
    Cheers!

    Stop by my web blog – https://zixuezikao.cn/home.php?mod=space&uid=125013

  17. Hi there I am so grateful I found your blog page, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Bing
    for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say
    kudos for a remarkable post and a all round entertaining blog (I also
    love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but I have saved it and
    also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
    back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great jo.

    my web page … https://casino123.cc/space-uid-79436.html

  18. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and
    tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop,
    just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
    I know this is completely off topic but I had to share
    it with someone!

    my website: Sustainabilipedia.Org

  19. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz reply as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this
    from. cheers

    Also visit my webpage – ai-db.science

  20. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire
    someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
    kudos

    my page … mnbralhlul.com

  21. Greetings I am so grateful I found your web site, I really found
    you by mistake, while I was researching on Bing for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like
    to say thanks for a marvelous post and a
    all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
    look over it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it
    and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
    more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

    Feel free to surf to my website: http://onlinetutors.group/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=timeshare0

  22. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you
    amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit
    acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

    My website … spinalhub.win

  23. Heya excellent blog! Does running a blog similar to this take
    a massive amount work? I’ve absolutely no understanding of computer programming but
    I was hoping to start my own blog in the near
    future. Anyways, should you have any suggestions
    or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off
    topic however I simply needed to ask. Kudos!

    Also visit my web site :: wiki.seds.org

  24. Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided
    to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break.
    I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to
    take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my
    cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G
    .. Anyways, awesome site!

    Stop by my page … http://hawkee.com/profile/1462866/

  25. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy.
    I’ve read this submit and if I could I wish to recommend you some fascinating things or advice.
    Perhaps you could write next articles relating to this article.
    I desire to learn more issues about it!

    Here is my web blog: lz13w.com

  26. Great blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you
    knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get feed-back from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same
    interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

    Bless you!

    Here is my web page :: http://www.jwwab.com

  27. Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
    this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and
    I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a
    good platform.

    Feel free to visit my page: http://kgti.kg/user/stoolvault64/

  28. Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your
    submit is just spectacular and i can suppose you are a professional on this subject.
    Well along with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed
    to keep updated with coming near near post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please continue the gratifying work.

    my webpage … https://cutt.ly/YHuMv8h

  29. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself
    or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
    thank you

    Here is my homepage – wiki.seds.org

  30. Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to
    browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
    I really like the information you present here and can’t
    wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my cell
    phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb site!

    Here is my web blog; mozillabd.science

  31. Hiya! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know
    how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone.
    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.

    If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!

    my webpage; clinfowiki.win

  32. Hey there I am so excited I found your website, I really found you by mistake, while I
    was looking on Yahoo for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to
    say thank you for a incredible post and a all round entertaining blog
    (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at
    the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
    will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the great work.

    Feel free to surf to my web page … Luisa

  33. After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments
    are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is
    added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service?

    Thanks!

    Check out my web blog – mnogootvetov.ru

  34. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
    My website is in the very same area of interest as yours
    and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide here.

    Please let me know if this alright with you. Cheers!

    my blog; linkgeanie.com

  35. Hey I am so glad I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Bing
    for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks
    for a tremendous post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will
    be back to read more, Please do keep up the great job.

    my web site http://3ramh.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=gaspeace21

  36. My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the
    costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a
    number of websites for about a year and am worried
    about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    My web site :: https://marvelvsdc.faith/wiki/The_Draw_Back_Risk_Of_Minecraft_Servers_That_No_One_Is_Speaking_About

  37. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they just
    don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having
    side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.
    Thanks

    My website … list.ly

  38. Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is
    simply excellent and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with
    forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.

    My blog :: ejabtak.com

Stay Connected.

1,169,000FansLike
34,567FollowersFollow
1,401,000FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe
- Advertisement -

Latest Articles