SAN FRANCISCO, July 06, (THEWILL) – The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, says the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is taking note of the ongoing debate on restructuring, and would soon harvest the various views and act on the major issues thrown up by the debate so that the country can make progress.
Speaking through the President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, at the official presentation of a book in Abuja on Thursday, he disclosed that government would want the debate to continue.
The book entitled, ‘Nigeria: The restructuring controversy,’ was written by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Mike Okiro.
Osinbajo said, “We can assure you that all of the contributions being made across the country, whether from the north, from the south, east or west; the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is taking note of all the contributions you are making, and very soon, we are going to come out with policies that would take care of some of the issues that are germane in this debate about restructuring.”
Recently, the clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria has gained a groundswell of support from unexpected quarters such as Ibrahim Babangida, Atiku Abubakar, All Progressives Congress, APC, governors, but those who have spoken against it includes: Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, APC national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.
The acting President noted that the debate was the right thing for Nigerians to do, stressing that the country could not afford to go back to issues that were resolved during the civil war.
While identifying lack of inclusiveness as Nigeria’s major problem, he said, “Many have died in the course of fighting for one Nigeria. Therefore, we cannot afford to go back to issues that were resolved during the Nigerian civil war. What we can do is what we are doing, as we have gathered here today: writing books, debating and arguing among ourselves, and in the process of debate, we would find solutions to our problems.”
Osinbajo cited the break up of Sudan and the Soviet Union, to state that no country had been able to resolve the nationality question, stressing that the government was working to achieve equity, justice and fairness.
“We want everyone to continue with this debate across the country, in boardrooms and conferences. This is what we need and not war. We are going to observe and take note of all your opinions, and be rest assured that we are hearing you loud and clear and that something will be done accordingly to make this country respectable and peaceful,” he declared.
