Ibrahim Babangida
The voices of Nigerians calling for restructuring of the federation just got louder with former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, aka IBB, calling for a restructuring of Nigeria and the adoption of state police as part of the solution to the myriad problems plaguing the nation.
He defines his own version of structuring to be along state lines, not regions or zones as some have earlier suggested.
This was the kernel of his Eid-el-Fitri message to Nigerians. He also condemned the spate of hate speeches from different groups in the country. He wants restructuring to end the agitations and threats of secession across the land.
“Restructuring has become a national appeal as we speak, whose time has come. I will strongly advocate for devolution of powers to the extent that more responsibilities be given to the states while the federal government is vested with the responsibility to oversee our foreign policy, defence, and economy.
“Even the idea of having federal roads in towns and cities has become outdated and urgently needs revisiting. That means we need to tinker with our constitution to accommodate new thoughts that will strengthen our nationality,” he stated.
General Babangida also advocated for the adoption of state policing, saying that the initial fears that state governors will misuse the officers and men of the state police have become moribund.
He appealed to Nigerians especially the youth to keep alive the dreams of the nation’s founders. According to him, the country has all it takes to lead the African continent by virtue of its population, diversities and the sheer determination of its people.
The self-styled military president said restructuring of the nation was long overdue and urged the state actors to have a rethink on the matter.
