Fayemi calls for restructuring to stop agitations for secession

Fayemi warned that restructuring through national dialogue would give room for greater decentralisation and devolution of powers, which would address growing agitations in Nigeria.

He stated this on Thursday during the 60th Distinguished Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island, Lagos, while speaking on the theme, ‘Fixing Nigeria For A Better World.’

Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, described agitations and discontent expressed in some parts of the country as evidence of the structural challenges confronting Nigeria.

He said such issues could be discussed and amicably agreed upon through effective dialogue.

According to him, “Nigeria must as a matter of urgency undertake the following steps for a better world:

“Embrace political restructuring through a national dialogue process before it is too late. The discontent and agitations that are being felt in parts of the country are symptomatic of structural challenges that can be discussed and amicably agreed upon when all constituent units of the Federation come together to discuss and agree on what the Nigeria of their dreams means.

“Addressing the national question will only ensure that we are on a path to greatness and will generate the sense of unity of purpose required for us to attain our best potential;

“Undertake concerted efforts towards revamping structures and instruments of our foreign policy. Here, I refer to modernizing and adequately funding the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Missions abroad, as well as institutions such as the NIIA, NIPSS and IPCR. Ensuring that our most gifted hands are recruited into our Foreign Service and related institutions will only result in a better-informed foreign policy machinery.”

Socio-political groups such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Afenifere have consistently demanded the restructuring of Nigeria along the lines of fiscal federalism, resource control and state policing but the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has been unyielding and unwilling to initiate significant process for the country’s restructuring despite making it one of his campaign promises during the run-up to the 2015 presidential election which he eventually won.

Lately, agitations have increased in Nigeria, especially in the Southern part of the country with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra led by Nnamdi Kanu; as well as Yoruba Nation separatists led by Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho. IPOB and Igboho groups are agitating for the secession of the South-East and South-West regions, respectively Nigeria. They hinge their demands on perceived injustices, lopsided appointments, insecurity, amongst others. The leaders of the two groups have been in detention for months and now facing terrorism-related charges.