Restructuring Nigeria: Nasarawa And Plateau States Back It, True Federalism Inclusive
The Oasis Reporters
October 12, 2017
The North-central zone of Nigeria has said they would support the restructuring of Nigeria if it would deliver a true federal system for the country.
The clamour for restructuring that started resonating in the southern part of Nigeria is receiving guided support by the North-central zonal consultative forum organised by the APC committee in Jos as Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State said his people would oppose any restructuring that would draw back Nigeria’s development.
“Restructuring means different things to different people,” he said as he made his opening remarks.
“Some people are thinking restructuring is creation of local governments and states. If that is what it means, I don’t support it.”
However, his endorsement would only come if the process will lead to a strengthening of Nigeria`s federal system.
“Restructuring should be true federalism where our people will gain the value of democracy. If that is what it means, I am in support.”
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Plateau State, is in full support of restructuring of Nigeria, according to the representative of the state government at the APC forum, John Wade.
Mr. Wade sees the potential gains from restructuring Nigeria as hugely beneficial, that would address issues hampering Nigeria’s development.
Benue State on the other hand , sees the necessity in restructuring which offers hope for national development, according to Omale Omale, the APC legal Adviser who represented the state with agriculture as it’s mainstay.
Mr. Omale said the process should deliver devolution of powers and the needed land reforms.
The Vice President of the APC for the North-central zone, Idris Zakare, said the public hearing was organized by the party towards achieving good governance in Nigeria.
The event was attended by several traditional rulers, opinion leaders, APC stalwarts and civil society groups from Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.
The north central zone of Nigeria is seen as an agricultural belt that has recently seen the devastation of it’s farmlands and many of its people killed by suspected Fulani herds men either passing through or staying put with the cattle on free range grazing that often causes serious conflict in the zone.
Additional source: Premium Times
