FEATURE ARTICLE

Prof Adekunle Akinyemi, fnaemtSaturday, August 19, 2017
[email protected]
Pikesville, Maryland, USA

Kudos to our eminent Nigerians

ne cannot but acknowledge the ongoing efforts of some Nigerian elders and leaders who have been working round the clock to see that Nigeria remains afloat and relevant in the face of the various threats and uprising from all corners of the nation. In my last article published online by the Nigeriaworld.com, I wrote an Open Letter to Nigerian Leaders and Elders. The rationale behind that letter was because the threats and taunts from various groups was becoming palpable and capable of being realized to the detriment of the survival of our great nation Nigeria.

The recent Colloquium on restructuring, organized by the Lagos Island Cub, could not have been more timely and appropriate. Kudos to the organisers and those eminent Nigerians who honoured the invitation and spared the time to attend. The caliber of attendees and the high quality of their contributions are well documented and significant, as we chart the way forward in the restructuring struggles. It shall be well with all of you.

I have a few concerns, however, and these border on the logistics for realizing a true and fair restructure. I am aware that there are many restructure blueprints floating around. These need to be harmonized as we move ahead. Some of my grave concerns are presented as SEVEN QUESTIONS below:

Do we have an accurate figure (information) on the different agitating factions and groups, located across the length and breadth of Nigeria?

How can the various groups be quickly brought under the same umbrella before they explode to enable the restructure process to commence?

Will it be possible to bring all these heterogeneous interest groups together for meaningful discussions/dialogue?

What is the constitutional flexibility with regards to this type of restructuring activities or can this be better achieved through a referendum?

Will the current Legislative body (NASS) 'step aside' or are we (We The People) going to suspend the constitution for a while?

Are the Youths, who are presently impatient, be willing to endure the ongoing hardship, for as long as the Protocol/Red Tape/ referendum will require?

Who will be the Umpires in the restructuring/referendum exercise?

These are sensitive matters for the Nigerian leaders to iron out with the restive youths who seem to have lost confidence in the elders. From the mood of the nation they are the ones speaking out and making pronouncements which can put the nation ablaze (God forbid). The modality for a holistic restructuring must be crafted such that it will be seen to be fair, impartial and equitable for the emerging new Nigeria.

While I appreciate and commend these eminent Nigerians and the prestigious Lagos Island Club, I hope they will go a step further to attend to these few questions above, for the emergence of a true Nigeria of our dreams.

Long live Nigeria.

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