The President of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, on His 2018 New year speech made a fundamental blunder when He asserted that Nigeria does not need RESTRUCTURING but a redefined PROCESS.
Restructuring as a concept has been the song on the lips of the average Nigerian in recent times, whether well understood or not. Nevertheless, it is a subject matter of high import if Nigeria must sail successfully through her deep blue sea as the most populous black nation in Africa.
Restructuring in simple language refers to a reorganization, an alteration on existing structure. In the light of our polity, it is a process of altering the existing political order which is more of a UNITARY SYSTEM than acclaimed FEDERAL SYSTEM, because it has too much powers vested in the centre. This by itself makes Nigeria a LIE. Hence, the people clamour for a Federal system which decentralises power to the states, empowering the states to control directly it's grass root concerns ranging from its resources,local or regional security concerns, infrastructure, to the generation of it's own revenue as to operate independently but interdependently in sustaining herself while remitting taxes, due resources to the centre. This will encourage the states as in the case of Nigeria, and through its local governments or local authorities, manage more efficiently the affairs of her locals without necessarily depending on the federal government for everything, which should be more concerned with broader responsibilities like National security, foreign relations ,monetary policies, foreign intelligence,etc
Restructuring in the Nigeria construct is not a new panacea for the Nigerian hydra-headed challenges, as The country once ran on the clamoured structure (Federalism), before it was short lived by our military Juntas. Hence, as contrarily claimed by the President, that Nigerians abandoned the old system where the country ran on Regions with prime ministers - which in reality saw us through cross-sectional development ,was never abandoned willingly by her citizens but arrested through several military coup d'etat. This has seen Nigeria into a failing system despite being in an era of democracy, because our democracy exists on false structure.
Process is a series of event which produce result. In many cases, if not all, process can not thrive in a vacuum but via a structure. The structure is more of a cast or mould though which the process will flow. Logically, it becomes illogical to say that Nigeria is not bedevilled with structure problem but process problem. On this basis I debunk Mr. President's stance on the boiling matter, capable of blowing up the country if not properly addressed.
I am not a politician, but a concerned citizen who believe power belongs to the people. I believe the present structure is tilted towards dictatorship and tyranny. I want a Nigeria that once had cocoa in abundance from the West, Palm oil from the East, groundnut pyramids from the North. We need a Nigeria that is self sufficient and not spoon-fed from the centre. Every stake holder, must become a voice in helping Nigeria to live a TRUE REALITY. Let Nigeria be made great again. The current system is not only fueling corruption but is a FRAUD in itself. We are neither a federal state nor a recognised unitary system. We live a lie.
Recommendations have been made in 2005 and 2014 national conferences. I suggest the present administration listens to the yearning of the people.
Restructuring Nigeria will strengthen its unity and bring her to the place where she really belongs. Long Live Nigeria!
http://www.restructurenigeria.ng/project/understanding-federalism-graphics