Andrew Efemini
I was privileged to witness the gathering of eminent Nigerians who had a focus in mind; echo the need for restructuring of Nigeria.
Elder statesman E. K Clark who is leader of the PANDEF argued for ownership of resources by the component units who will pay tax to the central authority. He rejects the current system were the federal government controls the oil resources in Niger Delta.
Besides promoting inefficiencies, the current system is in his view unjust. He insisted that every region has enough resources and potential to contribute to the development of the country.
It was exciting seeing the 90+ nationalist speak with passion about the country of his dreams.
The Governor of Bayelsa state who was the only Governor to grace the occasion in person lamented the non implementation of the 2014 national confab report. In a non partizan comment, His Excellency acknowledged that the El Rufai APC restructuring report was worth giving the necessary support.
Part of highlights at the well attended gathering include the goodwill message from the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo (Ike Ukehe). For him, Nigerians should work together to enthrone a just society where people control the resources in their environment.
If anything we can take home from that gathering it is the upbeat feeling that Nigeria can be better governed if we adopt federalism as against unitary system.
