The Northern governors and the inhabitants of the region, according to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have recognised restructuring as the best way to address Nigeria’s problems.
Atiku said that the North was no longer hostile to the country’s restructuring during an interactive session organised by the Arewa Joint Committee in Kaduna.
The former vice president stated that since 2004, he has been advocating for the country’s reorganisation.
Restructuring, according to him, will ensure devolution of powers to the states.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Enoch Adeboye are just a few Nigerians who have previously encouraged the Federal Government to permit the country’s restructuring in order to rescue it.
Atiku said: “In 2004 when I started advocating restructuring, I had a very strong opposition from the North; today, the northern governors themselves and the northern people have bought into restructuring.
“This means giving states more powers and responsibilities to own their funding to execute their own individual programmes in their respective states. It does not mean that you are going to get less from what you are going to get. But it simply means more responsibilities as far as governance is concerned.
“So, what can we do to make sure that we wean ourselves from dependence on oil? Agriculture is one top priority I intend to make sure the North receives the greatest support so that we can reinvent our agriculture.
“I proposed that we will set aside $10bn to promote our young entrepreneurs who leave school before they can start up their own businesses. There is something very important and that is making sure entrepreneurship is part of our curriculum.
“If you have attended my university in Yola, whether you are studying law, engineering or science, you must study entrepreneurship. It is a compulsory subject. This is because when you come out, you don’t have to be looking for a job. We want you instead to create jobs both for yourself and for others.
“And then of course repositioning our educational system in all northern Nigeria, there was no drop out. Those of you who are old as myself or older than me can testify.
“I’m passionate about education, that is why I have an educational set-up, what I call from cradle to grave. I have a kindergarten, nursery, primary, secondary school, and university all located in one location.
“So for me, education is fundamental. It is non-negotiable. I am an optimist and I believe we can unite and do it together and propel northern Nigeria or the northern states to a higher level of prosperity, peace, security, and unity.”
