Archbishop Emeritus of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony
Okogie, has warned that President Buhari’s government risked a revolution
if he failed to address challenges threatening Nigeria’s corporate
existence. His warning coincides with a call for the restructuring of
Nigeria’s federal system by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking in Lagos as part of his preparation for his 80th birthday and his
50th priestly ordination anniversary, Okojie said President Buhari needs
to address the jagged edges of the Nigerian state or risk a revolution.
“The swearing in of the APC government last year was perceived as a major
milestone in the people’s quest for positive change and improvement in
their quality of life. But a year later, thousands of workers are being
laid off every day, the value of the Naira is falling drastically, while
many states are owing their workers many months of unpaid salaries,” he
said, warning that government must thread softly with Biafran agitators
and Niger Delta Avengers in view of the pervasive poverty in the land.
Okogie noted that “there is a popular saying that to jaw jaw is better
than to war war. I am aware that the Niger Delta Avengers have reeled out
a number of conditions to be met before seizing further attacks on oil
installations. I am equally aware that President Buhari has vowed to deal
decisively with the militants”.
“While condemning the disruption of our oil facilities under any guise, I
equally want to stress that the use of military force is not a
solution,”he said.
Speaking at the presentation of a book entitled, “We Are All Biafrans”
written by activist and journalist, Chido Onuma, Atiku posited that
Nigeria as presently constituted is not working saying greater autonomy to
the states is the panacea to the country’s multi-pronged challenges.
“Nigeria is not working, as well as it should, and part of the reason is
the poor way we have structured our economy and governance especially
since 1960. That situation needs to change and calling for that change is
patriotic,” he said.
The ruling party chieftain said those calling for a restructured Nigeria
should not be labeled “unpatriotic Nigerians” as such positions bordered
on the realities of the Nigerian state.
“Agitations by many right-thinking Nigerians call for a restructuring and
renewal of our federation to make it less centralised, less suffocating
and less dictatorial in the affairs of our country’s constituent units and
localities.
“As some of you may know, I have for a long time advocated the need to
restructure our federation. Our current structure and the practices it
has encouraged have been a major impediment to the economic and political
development of our country. In short it has not served Nigeria well, and
at the risk of reproach it has not served my part of the country, the
North, well.
“The call for restructuring is even more relevant today in light of the
governance and economic challenges facing us. And the rising tide of
agitations, some militant and violent, require a reset in our
relationships as a united nation.”
“Some may say that we are saddled with more urgent challenges, including
rebuilding our battered economy, creating jobs, fighting corruption and
securing our people from terrorism and other forms of serious crimes. I
believe, however, that addressing the flaws in our federation will help us
address some of those very economic and security challenges facing this
country.
“Nigeria must remain a united country. Our potential is enormous. But I
also believe that a united country, which I think most Nigerians desire,
should never be taken for granted or taken as evidence that Nigerians are
content with the current structure of the federation.
“Making that mistake might set us on the path of losing the country we
love or, as Chido Onumah puts it, result in our ‘country sleepwalking to
disaster.’”
“Let me quickly acknowledge that no federal system is set for all time.
There are always tensions arising from matters relating to the sharing of
power, resources and responsibilities. But established democracies have
developed peaceful mechanisms for resolving such conflicts among the tiers
of government. They recognise that negotiations and compromises are
eternal.”
“An excessively powerful center does not equate to national unity.
Absolutely not. If anything, it has made our unity more fragile, our
government more unstable and our country more unsafe. We must renegotiate
our union in order to make it strong.”
“Greater autonomy, power and resources for state and local authority will
give the federations units greater freedom and flexibility to address
local issues for their priorities and peculiarities. It will reduce the
premium placed on capturing power at the center. It will reduce
insecurity. It will promote healthy rivalry amongst federations units,”
he said.
He noted that “It will help to unleash our people’s creative energies and
spur more development. It will reduce the premium placed on capturing
power at the centre. It will help with improving security. It will promote
healthy rivalries among the federating units and local authorities. It
will help make us richer and stronger as a nation.”