Stakeholders have renewed their push for Nigeria’s restructuring.
They made the announcement on Monday at the Abuja launch of Senator Chris Anyanwu’s book, “Bold Leap”.
The book follows Anyanwu’s life story, showcasing her persistence in the face of several hardships, including human adversity.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “How Do We Fix Nigeria’s System, Structure, Institutions, and Leadership?” Participants agreed that restructuring was necessary as a means of achieving national progress.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, expressed concern that the current system primarily benefits a small group of elites close to power, leaving the majority excluded.
He advocated a system overhaul, emphasizing that, “Restructuring is not about secession; it’s about rebuilding Nigeria to serve all its citizens.
“Right now, our institutions fail to meet this fundamental need.”
Fayemi emphasized the younger generation’s yearning for change, pointing out that more than 70% of the population is under 30.
According to him, many young people, unlike older generations, are hungry for answers, as seen by their resistance to stagnation or migration overseas, also known as Japa.
Ann-Kio Briggs, a human rights advocate and environmentalist, emphasized the importance of restructuring, starting with reforms to the Independent National Electoral Commission, which she accused of disenfranchising Nigerians.
“When citizens cannot vote despite holding voter cards, it means they have no say in choosing their leaders,” she said with regret.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s lack of development over decades, Briggs urged for patriotism that goes beyond chanting the national song, advocating a rethinking of how the country serves its people.
She also backed resource control, arguing that gold-rich towns such as Zamfara should handle their resources.
