To say that Nigeria is a country with huge diversities would be an understatement. The country has diverse tribes and ethnic groups. In hindsight, our diversity can be harnessed to attain economic growth based on the multiplicity of ideas and solutions that could emerge from this wealth of people resources, but that has unfortunately not been the case.
This worrisome development has led many to the thought that restructuring is our only solution, especially by devolving more powers from the centre. For some however, disintegration is the best option.
Today, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is on that table:
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, says without restructuring of Nigeria’s federating units, the country “will remain insecure, unstable, non-progressive and stagnated at best or disintegrated at the worst.”
Read more: https://t.co/kVbAIYZP57— Daily Trust (@daily_trust) June 27, 2020
Speaking at the annual Sobo Sowemimo Virtual Conference, the former president switched from the theme of COVID-19 to the issue of insecurity in the country, stating that it will remain insecure without restructuring. He also called for a citizen-led campaign against insecurity, one that will force the government to act.
His statement on restructuring made its way to social media and to say that a lot of Nigerians were displeased, would be putting it mildly. Although they appeared not to be in disagreement with his views, they were offended by the fact that he said it.
To some, it’s as simple as a hypocritical statement and in their opinion, he had eight years to implement the very ideas he is suggesting but failed to do so. That fact, in this context, disqualifies him from acting in the capacity of a critic.
Buhari has granted financial autonomy for state legislative and judiciary, and autonomy power for the LGAs.
But Obasanjo who failed to put Nigeria on restructuring path when he had the power to do so is the one constantly having restructuring headache.
Deceitful Old Hypocrite!
— TallJohn? (@JohnFanimokun) June 27, 2020
I think this man called Olusegun Obasanjo is the most demented human I've ever known, he dares to talk about restructuring after he thwarted the effort of late Gen Sanni Abacha and the NESG towards economic restructuring and many more. You must be a bombo.
— Hon Darlynton Mayor (@DarlyntonMayor) July 2, 2020
To others, the audacity behind his statement is what they can’t fathom. Having gone to war to fight restructuring, they can’t understand why he is calling for it now.
But Obasanjo, you went to war to fight against restructuring & over 6million Biafrans were murdered in the process including children.
Olusegun Obasanjo,where is Aburi Accord that you people fought against?
Well, restructuring is over now & in the past.All we want now is BIAFRA pic.twitter.com/eJ406p7Qm6
— Oluchi Christy (@oluchristty) July 2, 2020
Obasanjo and Gowon fought against restructure and killed over 5million biafrans after they refused to implement aburi accord,then it took obasanjo more than 50years to realise that what he fought against is what he is trying to support now which is restructure via @MaziNnamdiKanu
— tochi. (@tochiforlife) July 1, 2020
Aburi Accord was the best restructuring that would have happened to Nigeria
But Gowon chose genocide against restructuring
Today he is calling for national prayer while Obasanjo who took part in the genocide is calling for restructuring
— Machuks Okonkwor (@MachuksO) July 2, 2020
However, a number of persons were in support of his points and made reference to some of his achievements in office, as well as reasons why he could never have delved into restructuring at the time.
Listen when Olusegun Obasanjo speaks! Just listen! He’s not your regular politician, soldier or statesman. He’s a founding father.
— Daniel Omokhojie (@ikhanvbode) June 27, 2020
Obasanjo, being the first president as we returned to democracy in 1999, was more interested in stopping the military from returning to power. I think he probably felt restructuring was too sensitive an issue to delve into at that time.
— Nedu Ekeke #BBOG (@Nedunaija) June 27, 2020
For Chinedu Okafor, its all about making an impact with words, creating a profound impression on the audience with the intended narrative.
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