Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The debate over Nigeria's restructuring has been a significant topic in the national discourse. Some believe it is a secessionist movement, while others believe it is about fiscal federalism and a return to regionalism. Some argue that the presidential system should be abandoned to allow for autonomous regional powers. However, some believe that restructuring is just politics and that the country has been restructuring since the military intervention in 1966. Some argue that the current constitution is not representative of the people's desires, and that a sovereign national conference could be the solution. Alhaji Bahir Uthman Tofa, a former presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention, believes that the clamour for restructuring is a result of frustrations in various parts of the country. The debate on restructuring has dominated the national discourse, with some arguing that it is a manifestation of frustrations in the country.

Political pundits have criticized politicians who were once against restructuring in Nigeria, arguing that they are using it as a bait to endear the people to themselves. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar initially called for Nigeria's restructuring in 2016, stating that it was necessary to reform the country into a workable entity. However, political pundits believe this was a big bait by an experienced politician with eyes on the 2019 presidential election. Some people have called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to listen to the people's call for restructuring, which is featured in the party's manifesto. Some have also called for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report, which could address major issues affecting the country. However, President Buhari has insinuated that the fight against corruption and insecurity is on his agenda. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, has also been quiet on the restructuring subject, stating that it would bring the much needed balance to the country.

Nigeria's politicians and civil society groups are urging for the country's restructuring to reflect true federalism. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar brought back restructuring in the country's political lexicon last year, stating that the structure is heavily defective and does not provide an enabling environment for growth among the 36 component states of the federation. Since then, the clamour for restructuring has continued, with former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade, launching a book called Alani Akinrinade: My Dialogue With Nigeria, highlighting the need for restructuring. The Southwest region has always been at the forefront of the agitation for restructuring, with speakers at the book launch supporting Akinrinade's call for restructuring. Some speakers, such as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, governors of Osun and Ondo states, and Ray Ekpu, have also backed Akinrinade's call, stating that restructuring will bring about the real change the country needs.

Senator Ali Wakili, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation, has questioned the renewed call for restructuring Nigeria by prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. Wakili warns that any attempt to restructure the country would spell doom for its future and that the country's leadership should focus on improving the worsening living conditions of citizens. He believes that the issue of federalism continues to resonate and that the federal government has enormous powers. Wakili also criticizes the budget controversy in the House of Representatives, stating that it is an unfortunate distraction and that serious issues should be addressed to alleviate poverty and the economic downturn in Nigeria. He believes that many Nigerians are living below the poverty line and that the focus should be on improving the living conditions of citizens rather than restructuring the country.

Senator Ali Wakili, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation, has questioned the renewed call for restructuring Nigeria by prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. Wakili warns that any attempt to restructure the country would spell doom for its future and that the country's leadership should focus on improving the worsening living conditions of citizens. He believes that the issue of federalism continues to resonate and that the federal government has enormous powers. Wakili also criticizes the budget controversy in the House of Representatives, stating that it is an unfortunate distraction and that serious issues should be addressed to alleviate poverty and the economic downturn in Nigeria. He believes that many Nigerians are living below the poverty line and that the focus should be on improving the living conditions of citizens rather than restructuring the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of delaying the restructuring of the county. The party alleged that the pronouncements of some APC leaders in the past were indications that the party was not interested in restructuring. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Adeyeye, stated that the committee set up by the party on restructuring and headed by Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, was an afterthought. Adeyeye noted that the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, and El-Rufai said on national television that their party was not interested in restructuring. He said that the setting up of a committee was a delay tactic meant to kill the demand for restructuring, and they were not interested. Adeyeye stated that the APC is employing delay tactics to kill the issue of restructuring and it is a shame on them. The party will not participate in the hearing because the APC has no genuine interest in restructuring the country.