The Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has added its voice to the calls for the restructuring of the country.
Addressing a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Makarfi said the PDP believed that in any democratic space, allowance must be made for people to express grievances and agitate for the redress of such, stressing that it’s a vital ingredient that sustains democracy and the rule of law.
The party chief however expressed worry over the manner in which the agitations and counter agitations have assumed secessionist dimension in certain quarters.
He called on the Federal Government to provide the enabling environment for discussions among the various ethnic groups in the country determine the way forward.
Makarfi said, “The PDP has no problem with agitations; in fact, we respect them and regard them as vehicles through which all segments vent their legitimate feelings.
“As Nigerians and a people, we cannot run away from talking to one another but this should be on the basis of mutual respect, confidence and even empathy.
“This will enable us to have a proper understanding of the feelings and yearnings of one another and properly appreciating where we all are coming from, as individual groups and as a whole.
“Nigeria as a federation has come a long way and it is our duty as individuals and a whole to ensure that it endures; and indeed surpasses the dreams of our founding fathers.
“Every step we take must be, as the Americans would say, ‘towards a more perfect union’. We are therefore free, to at any point in time take a look at the structures of the union, not its basis, and effect whatever corrections we collectively agree are necessary.
“It is in this context that we view calls from some quarters for the restructuring of our own concept and practice of federalism.
“It is therefore important that we consider the framework within which we can even discuss and be on the same page as to what kind of restructuring we mean or desire; and if nationally accepted, agree on frame work for its implementation.
“But we want to urge all of our people that in trying to draw attention to their yearnings and aspirations, respect for one another and the realisation that our rights do not include encroachment into, and infringement on the legitimate rights and dignity of others, should guide our conduct”.
Makarfi blamed military incursion into politics from the mid-1960s, saying the development eroded the very essence of federalism as was practiced pre and immediate post-independence.
According to him, the military in governance largely serviced the command structure of the military and that even democratic administrations have had to make do with military imposed structures.
“Such democratic dispensations, including ours, have had to govern by the dictates of constitutions promulgated by the military institution which is basically unitary by nature”, he added.
The PDP caretaker committee chairman said now that democracy has got foothold in the country, a critical look at areas that need improvement has become imperative.
Continuing, Makarfi said, “It is therefore not out of place for any, or all segment(s) to come up with ideas that they believe will strengthen the structures of our federalism with a view to restructuring it in such a way that it serves all of us and not just some of us.
“Such exercise should take a very good and critical look at all the structures and institutions as well as how they operate with a view to giving them a new sense of direction in tune with current best practices, though, as with all societies, taking due consideration of our peculiarities as a people”.
The former Kaduna State Governor however called for strong institutions that would serve the state and not the whims and interests of those in charge at any given time.
“We, for example need institutions like armed forces and security agencies to operate on the premise of loyalty to the nation rather than loyalty to the President, Governor or whatever nomenclature the Chief Executive is given.
“This should not look like a novel idea because we see it happening everyday around the world in countries that have built strong institutions that are the bastions of their democratic structures.
“The recent altercation between some of our people which degenerated into the issuance of ultimatum and counter ultimatum for some of us to leave certain areas is an ill wind that blows no good, more so that we have a sad history of not so dissimilar circumstances that we had better not allow a repeat.
“Hate speeches either coming from the North, South, East or West must be avoided and be condemned by all of us.
“This country belongs to all of us, and every one of us must be allowed to enjoy the constitutional guarantee of freedom to live and move about this vast God-blessed land without let or hindrance to pursue his or her legitimate endeavours.
“But I reiterate that mutual respect and accommodation are a very necessary ingredient. We have had that before; we still have that and must not allow it to elude us.
“We must also ensure that we have a better legacy to upcoming generations than the one bequeathed to us, and not worse. This is the way decent societies are built and developed by each generation building on the blocks laid by its predecessor(s), not destroying what they found in place.
“There is no harm however in trying to improve upon an existing structure. North, South, East or West, we remain Nigerians and we must continue to make conscious and deliberate efforts to develop and not diminish this our beloved country.
“We must therefore, as in any vibrant union continue to engage ourselves in various conversations that will oil the wheels of our progress.
“We however observe that restructuring could mean a different thing to different people. Whatever comes out of such exercise, so long as it is the aggregate agreement of our people, we should get to work to ensure that it works”.
Makarfi commended Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for the way and manner he handled the tension generated by the agitations and counter agitations by some elements in the Southeast and a group of Northern youths.
Said he, “The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo deserves commendation for the steps he has so far taken to douse the tension occasioned by the altercation, but we call on all government to build on that by ensuring that its programmes, policies and steps are tailored in such a way and manner that no section of this country is given the impression that it doesn’t count.
“At this juncture, let me seize this opportunity, on behalf of the entire membership of PDP to join all compatriots in sympathising with our President and praying over the current state of his health. We wish President Muhammadu Buhari a quick recovery.
“Let me reiterate the belief of the PDP in the unity of this country as well as its unwavering commitment towards the attainment of its manifest destiny as a country of pride to the entire black race.
“The party has tried to give its best in the first 16 years of this dispensation. In the course of that period, we scored many firsts, but as is to be expected in any human endeavour, we couldn’t escape making mistakes here and there.
“But overall, we are proud of the milestones reached under the stewardship of our party, especially put side by side with what obtains in the polity currently.
“We believe that human and national development however well defined, normally comes with challenges, it is the handling of such challenges that determines the direction that the development takes.
“As a country and a people, we have faced several developmental challenges; some have been resolved while many others are yearning for resolution.
“And even after such resolution, as it’s typical of the evolution of human societies, we should expect to be confronted by new and emerging challenges.
“It is thus the responsibility of each generation of our leaders to grapple with and handle such emerging challenges in the best way possible. It is always a work in progress”
