2023: Restructuring Of Nigeria Shouldn’t Be Done Based On Sentiments – Adesina

Former Minister of Agriculture and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has backed the call for the restructuring of the country.

The AfDB president stated that the restructuring of the country should not be done based on ethnic sentiments or political inclinations but on economic and financial viability.

He made this known on Wednesday while speaking at an event to celebrate the 80th birthday of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

Adesina stated that each state should be allowed to control its resources which would lead to stronger states and use the resources to develop the states.

He said: “As a way out of the economic quagmire, much has been said about the need for restructuring. I know the discussions are often emotive.

“Restructuring should not be driven by political expediency, but by economic and financial viability — the necessary and sufficient conditions for political viability. Surgeries are tough. They are better done well, the first time.

“The resources found in each state or state groupings should belong to them. The constituent entities should pay federal taxes or royalties for those resources.

“The achievement of economically viable entities and the viability of the national entity requires constitutional changes to devolve more economic and fiscal powers to the states or regions.

“The stronger the states, or regions, the stronger the federated units. In the process, our union would be renewed. Our union would be stronger. Our union would be equitable. Our union would be fully participatory. We must be audacious!

“We must change the relational mindset between the states and Abuja: the fulcrum would be the states, while the centre would provide support to them, not lord over them.

“With good governance, better accountability systems, and a zero-tolerance for corruption, more economically stronger constituent states would emerge!

“We would unleash massive wealth across the states. It would be a commonwealth. Wealth for all, not wealth for a few. A New Nigeria would arise! We will need all of us — not some of us.”