Restructuring, these past years, has been added to our political lexicon as a veritable means by which our country can quickly exit the woods. While the majority of Nigerians are in agreement that it will help address the challenges of injustice, inequality, inequity and fast-forward the economic growth of the country as a whole, some political elites, predominantly from a section of the country, have refused to accept this reality and have rather sworn to maintain the ‘retrogressive status quo.’ We have said it and are re-iterating again that if the restructuring is properly done, all parts of this country stand a better chance of developing more rapidly and the people would be the happier for it, as it places responsibility for the welfare of people in more manageable units.
The numerous untapped agricultural and mineral resources that are grossly underexploited in virtually all the states should be harnessed as huge resources of foreign exchange earnings for the country. By doing so, the age-long burden heaped on the country by oil revenue would be severed for good and everyone will be happier for it. We wish to make an appeal to the political class, especially members of the National Assembly, to take the bold initiative and commence robust discussions on how to restructure this country before the next general election. Where there is a will, there is a way. I appeal to them to put aside differences and put on a toga of patriotism. Let us go back to the practice of true federalism that will allow each part of the country to grow, such that the country in aggregate can grow also for the greater good of all.
• Most. Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
