Fayemi, others renew call for restructuring at senator’s book presentation

Stakeholders have again called for the restructuring of Nigeria.

They made the call at the presentation of Senator Chris Anyanwu’s autobiography, “Bold Leap”, in Abuja on Monday.

The book chronicles Anyanwu’s life journey, highlighting her perseverance through numerous challenges, including human adversities.

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At the event, a panel discussion titled “How Do We Fix Nigeria’s System, Structure, Institutions, and Leadership?” featured a consensus among participants on the need for restructuring as a path to national progress.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, expressed concern that the current system primarily benefits a small group of elites close to power, leaving the majority excluded.

He advocated a system overhaul, emphasizing that, “Restructuring is not about secession; it’s about rebuilding Nigeria to serve all its citizens.

“Right now, our institutions fail to meet this fundamental need.”

Fayemi further highlighted the younger generation’s desire for change, noting that over 70% of the population is under 30.

According to him, many young people, unlike older generations, are eager for solutions, as seen in their pushback against stagnation or their migration abroad, popularly referred to as Japa.

Human rights advocate and environmentalist Ann-Kio Briggs also underscored the urgency of restructuring, beginning with reforms in the Independent National Electoral Commission, which she accused of disenfranchising Nigerians.

“When citizens cannot vote despite holding voter cards, it means they have no say in choosing their leaders,” she lamented.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s lack of progress over decades, Briggs called for patriotism that goes beyond reciting the national anthem, urging a reevaluation of how the nation serves its people.

She also supported the notion of resource control, suggesting that communities like Zamfara, rich in gold, should manage their resources.

She said, “Patriotism is not the national anthem. Many people can’t even sing all the verses of either of the national anthems. So patriotism is about what you do for your country, but specifically what it is that your country is doing for you because you are, we’re all Nigerians. We’re not Ghanaians. We’re not British.”

“Restructuring does not only mean resource ownership, management, and control, which I fully support, but if I support resource ownership and management, it means the people of Zamfara that have gold also get to own and manage their resources and any other resources.”

A former Senate minority leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, stressed the importance of capable leadership in driving institutional reforms.

He said, “Without the right people in leadership, our institutions will continue to falter.”

The event was attended by notable figures such as former Senate President David Mark, who represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Pius Ayim, who represented former President Goodluck Jonathan.