Does Nigeria need restructuring?

The erstwhile Vice President of Nigeria in person of Atiku Abubakar has been hailed by many for his recent take on the need for the restructuring of the country. The media has done nothing less than glorify the former Vice President for his statement just like many political commentators did. It however baffled a few […]

The erstwhile Vice President of Nigeria in person of Atiku Abubakar has been hailed by many for his recent take on the need for the restructuring of the country. The media has done nothing less than glorify the former Vice President for his statement just like many political commentators did. It however baffled a few on why Atiku was applauded for his statement. Does Nigeria at this point in time need to be restructured? And if yes, are we ready for it? Of course we all know Nigeria is well over due for restructuring but Nigeria is not at all ready for it. The present form of Government which many claim is suffocated at the centre (unnecessary duplication of responsibilities resulting into the employment of too many hands) and controls too much of the nation`s resources as well as consume too much of the same resources has since been a hindrance to the desired development the country needs, hence the need for true federalism.
The restructuring is meant to enable regions control their resources which should result in rapid all round development. Now, that is for an ideal society. Nigeria which has been labelled one of the “fantastically corrupt countries” of the world is not ready for this form of government. If with this current form of government where there are many hands at the centre we hear large amounts in millions and billions of dollars embezzled by “the many hands”, what would be our fate when a region with fewer hands this time manages its resources by itself (bearing in mind that all the regions have produced convicted corrupt individuals). Then we will have a level of embezzlement the world has never seen since time immemorial.   
What is most important at this time is the transformation of the political orientation and attitude of Nigerians towards occupying public offices. The mentality of “grab as much as you can” while in office needs to be erased. Its however disappointing that most political commentators never pin pointed that as a foundation for the establishment of true federalism in Nigeria. To usher Nigeria into true federalism, this beloved country of ours needs to be rid of every form of corruption. The current Buhari led administration needs to intensify its fight against corruption and make the imprint that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for greedy and gluttonous individuals. After this, we are battle ready for true federalism. So when next someone sneezes, know what and what not to catch.
Oduneye Solomon, [email protected]