For the records: Call for dialogue, restructuring and national unity

By Ajibola Abiola

In recent times, the growing calls for the restructuring of Nigeria have been met with increasing tensions, with some voices even advocating for secession. This has understandably caused anxiety and concern across our beloved nation. As patriotic Nigerians, we must remember that our strength lies in our unity, diversity, and commitment to building a prosperous future for all.

The ongoing debates, while crucial, must be handled with wisdom, patience, and collective responsibility. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multicultural society, and our future depends on ensuring that every group feels heard, respected, and included in the national dialogue. Secession, as some have suggested, is not the answer to our challenges. It threatens to tear apart the very fabric that holds us together and could lead to more harm than good.

The Senate committee’s recent meeting where the issue of Nigeria’s restructuring and regional governance structure was debated has become a development of profound concern to patriotic citizens as it was said to have again unfortunately accentuated the North and South dichotomy. While we acknowledge the diverse perspectives in such national dialogues, we are particularly disappointed by the disheartening stance of a Southern senator who was reported to have denounce the call for regional structure-a stance that is considered as an egregious breach of trust by the broader Southern region.

We call on all patriotic Nigerians, especially our representatives at the National Assembly, to reflect on the future we want for this great nation, reconsider their position and align with the will of the generality of the people they were elected to serve.

We also note President Tinubu’s anniversary speech and his proposal to convene a youth conference. There is a notable concern about the exclusion of a broader range of voices. While youth engagement is crucial for the future of Nigeria, a more inclusive approach that brings together representatives of not only the youth but also women, traditional and religious leaders, trade associations and representatives of indigenous ethnic nationalities and stakeholders, is imperative at this time. This will allow for a deeper, more comprehensive discussion of governance structures and reevaluation of the complex relationships between the regions and ethnic groups would better address Nigeria’s diverse challenges and ensure that all stakeholders-especially those historically marginalized are heard.

Why Restructuring and Regionalism Matters:

It is essential to reaffirm that restructuring, particularly the move toward a regional structure, is not merely a sectional demand but a necessity for the peace, stability, and prosperity of our nation. Nigeria is a diverse and complex. Society, and attempts to continue with a quasi-unitary system will only further deepen the divisions, stifle development, and perpetuate the current cycle of inefficiency and discord.

The present bloated and distant federal structure has repeatedly failed to address local issues, while a regional government system will provide more accountable and effective leadership at the grassroots level.

Inclusivity and Fair Representation: A regional governance structure will  ensure that the diverse peoples of Nigeria have fair representation, with each region empowered to address its unique needs, opportunities, and challenges.

The current centralized system has proven inadequate in providing equitable solutions to the concerns of our various regions.

Restructuring into an autonomous regional federation will allow regions to control their resources, fostering healthy competition and driving economic growth. Each region can focus on its comparative advantages, creating wealth and jobs, and reducing the excessive dependence on the federal government. This will lead to greater cooperation among regions, promoting peace and stability

The Path Forward

Nigeria has once again arrived at a crucial juncture occasioned by obvious foundational problems, weak governance structures, ethno-religious conflicts and inequitable power relations. The future of Nigeria lies in embracing its diversity and empowering regions to develop at their own pace regional autonomy is the foundation upon which a peaceful progress, and prosperous Nigeria can be built. Egregious dissonant

We firmly believe that the way forward lies in our accepting responsibility to convene a conference of indigenous ethnic nationalities to discuss a mutually acceptable governance structure Now is the time for a well-organized inclusive and transparent consensus building dialogue among all ethnic nationalities that can produce the blueprint for restructuring and foster inclusivity, equity, and sustainable development.

Nigeria’s greatness lies not in its division, but in its ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger as one. We, therefore, call for calm, restraint, and a renewed focus on dialogue. To this end, we propose the following:

Setting up of a National Rebirth Commission:

At this juncture there is the urgent need to reexamine Nigeria’s governance structure and institutions. The current administration has the responsibility to create, through the National Assembly, or if need be, through an Executive Order, a National Rebirth Commission.

The National Rebirth Commission is to midwife a hybrid home grown democratic governance structures with elements of parliamentarism. The new structure should be inclusive and promote symmetric federalism.

The Rebirth Commission (NRC’S function should include Convening National Truth, Reconciliation and Unity, a National Conference of indigenous Ethnic Nationalities and Referendum. A National Conference of indigenous Ethnic Nationalities:

We believe the time has come for Nigeria’s indigenous ethnic groups to come together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. This conference will serve as a platform for open discussions on the structure of governance, equitable resource distribution, and the protection of the rights and identities of all ethnic nationalities. This is the only way to address long-standing grievances in a constructive manner.

Commitment to Unity and Peace

We call on all citizens to resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could jeopardize our nation’s future. We urge every Nigerian, regardless of their background, to embrace dialogue as the most effective and peaceful means to resolve our differences

Together, we can achieve a new nation where all people have a sense of belonging and pride, where prosperity is shared and where peace reigns. A greater Nigeria is possible!

This statement was signed and made available by Engr. Ajibola Abiola, PhD. Director, Media and Public Relations. The Rebirth Group (New Nation Enlightenment Foundation)

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