Why Restructuring Alone Can’t Solve Nigerians Problems — Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said unless fundamental challenges like tribalism and nepotism are properly addressed, restructuring alone can not solve Nigeria’s problem.

The former president stated this in Abuja while speaking at the 18th Daily Trust Dialogue with the theme: ‘Restructuring in Nigeria: Why? How? When?’

Speaking at the event, Jonathan stated that Nigerians should, first of all, restructure their minds against nepotism, ethnic and religious differences, which have polarised the country for years, before thinking of fiscal restructuring.

He advised Nigerians to exploit every opportunity for dialogue in order to make the nation better.

He said, “My conviction is that discussion on restructuring will not help except we restructure our minds because some of the challenging issues at the national level still exist at the state and local levels

“For instance, in some states, it is not easy for some persons to win an election because of the area they come from. The language they speak or their religious belief.

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“Take a look at how local government elections are conducted at the state level. Why is it very difficult for an opposition party to win a chairmanship or councillorship seat in a state, despite the fact that the same party probably secured seats in the state Assembly and National Assembly elections, organised by a federal election management body?

“This shows that restructuring alone may not solve all the anomalies in the system.”

“I believe that restructuring for a better nation is good, but there are other fundamental issues we should also address. We cannot restructure in isolation without tackling the challenges that polarise our nation.

"These include nepotism, ethnic and religious differences as well as lack of patriotism. The issues of tribe and religion have continued to limit our unity and progress, as a nation."

Other dignitaries at the event include the immediate past President-General, Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo, Chief John Nwodo, Afenifere Chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Audu Ogbe, former National Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega and the Director of Publicity, Northern Elders Forum, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, among others