Why Nigeria Must Be Restructured-Jega

There is a need for a short-term restructuring according to former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega. According to him, this restructuring must be carried out before the general elections in 2023. He insisted that this will help address some of the challenges facing the country. However, he accused the National Assembly and the federal government of lacking the political will to restructure the country.

Jega stated this at the 2021 Public Lecture he delivered at the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, titled, “Towards stabilising the Nigeria federation.” “This makes the process time-consuming, overly contentious and controversial, and susceptible to filibuster, and likely derailment of the entire undertaking. “Leaving the very important business of restructuring until very close to the next general elections has its own challenges, given that Nigerian politicians tend to shy away from taking tough decisions in the national interest, especially on seemingly controversial issues, too close to general elections.”

Meanwhile, leaders of leader of the Afenifere group, Ayo Adebanjo said it is important that restructuring is actualised in Nigeria before the 2023 general election. Speaking in Lagos, he said for posterity’s sake, he owes the younger generation a duty to speak truth to power and make necessary clarifications for his people on different issues. Adebanjo also noted that despite an initial agreement to restructure the country before President Buhari assumed office, he (Buhari) has failed to heed the call of the people on restructuring. He also said that the president has failed to make any known stance on devolution of powers, fiscal federalism and state policing in Nigeria.