Restructuring: Buhari Fails To Write His Name In Gold - Dickson

                                                        

H.E. Gov. Henry Seriake Dickson

*Says Biafra not geographical concept but metaphor for injustice, inequity

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, on Friday extended the frontiers of the restructuring debate, saying President Muhammadu Buhari lost a golden opportunity to become a great statesman by vehemently rejecting his party, the All Progressives Congress's position on the restructuring of Nigeria.

He also said that it is a major tragedy for Nigeria and his leadership that the President dumped the report of his party's committee on restructuring and devolution of power led by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, into the trash can.

Governor Dickson, who spoke in Abuja on the topic: "Federalism, Restructuring and Nation-building" at the public presentation of "We are all Biafrans," a book authored by veteran journalist and rights activist, Mr. Chido Onumah, restated his position that his relentless advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria is not about dismemberment or balkanising of the country but that it is a call for major constitutional reform.

His Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that there has been no serious commitment to the process of comprehensive constitutional reform in the country.

"There is no way we can go forward as a country without going back to address the faulty structure that we are currently operating. I therefore call for leadership responsibility by the President. He has to use the power, influence and authority of his office to mobilise our country to do the restructuring that is possible. I regret to say that I feel disappointed that the President did not rise to the occasion. It is a tragedy for our country and also a major tragedy for his own leadership.

"I however congratulate and commend the APC committee on restructuring and devolution of power led by the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, for the work it did. The committee's report was very clear on the roadmap to restructure the country. Whenever I see anything good, I support and encourage it. Our interest is greater Nigeria. I don't care which platform you belong to. Just do what is right and you have my support.

"It is however unfortunate that there was no follow up and it is really regrettable that the President did not utilise the lifeline that his own party offered him for the purposes of statesmanship. The President threw away that wonderful and golden opportunity."

Governor Dickson also stated that inasmuch as he agrees with the metaphor of Biafra used in the book as representing the issues and challenges that confront the country, he is however opposed to the geographical connotation and does not believe in it.

His words: "This country belongs to all of us. I don't believe in the geographical expression of Biafra. I will rather we join forces to fight for a new Nigeria, a Nigeria for equal citizens, a Nigeria for the big and the small, for the weak and the strong. That is the critical challen… Read more
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