By Tunde Adetunji, Abuja
Nigerians should continue the robust, and often times, emotional debating on restructuring, because the federal government is taking its notes and will take action soon, Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said at a book launch in Abuja,Thursday.
At the official presentation of the book, titled,, “Nigeria: The Restructuring Controversy”, written by former Police boss and Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Mike Okiro, Osinbajo, speaking through his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu observed Nigerians were not known for violence, noting that even during the annulment of the June 12,1993 election, no one resorted to violence.
He said: “We can assure you that all of the contributions being made across the country, whether from the North, from the South, East or West, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is taking note of all the contributions you are making and very soon, we are going to come out with policies that would take care of some of the issues that are germane in this debate about restructuring.”
He said the government is committed to Nigeria, adding that the major problem in the country was the lack of inclusiveness which has manifested in the high unemployment rate among the youths.
He noted that the nation could not afford to go back to issues that were resolved during the civil war, stressing that the right thing was being done through the debates on restructuring and the way forward for the nation.
“Many have died in the course of fighting for one Nigeria, therefore we cannot afford to go back up to issues that were resolved during the Nigerian civil war. What we can do is what we are doing as we have gathered here today: Writing books, debating and arguing among ourselves and in the process of debate, we would find solutions to our problems,” he said
Citing the break up of Sudan and the Soviet Union, Osinbajo disclosed that no country had been able to resolve the nationality question, stressing that the government was working to achieve equity, justice and fairness.
He commended Okiro for his book on restructuring and advised Nigerians to continue with their debate on restructuring, noting that the fine points would be noted and adopted by the government.
He cautioned Nigerians against taking up arms, and that dialogue should continue peacefully, adding that Afghanistan has been fighting a war for over 40 years without resolution.
“We want everyone to continue with this debate across the country, in boardrooms and conferences. This is what we need and not war; we are going to observe and take note of all your opinions and be rest assured that we are hearing you loud and clear and that something will be done accordingly to make this country respectable and peaceful,” Osinbajo assured.
