Below are reactions to my articles: Federation of the angry and Who is afraid of restructuring? published on June 12 and July 3, 2017, respectively.
Hello Eric,
Who is afraid of restructuring? Thank you for the question. I remember the Apostle Paul before his conversion; he was then known as Saul. As he testified later, he called himself a chief sinner, an injurious man and persecutor of the church of Jesus Christ. He was a lawyer, a Pharisee of Pharisee, a Hebrew of Hebrew and a member of council (equivalent of our modern day Senate). After his encounter with Jesus Christ on the way to Damascus, still on an evil mission to massacre those who call on the ‘WAY’ (John 14:6), he became a completely transformed man – counting every other thing for the glorious gospel and excellency that is in Christ Jesus.
I thank God that we have many new converts to the gospel of restructuring of Nigeria! We have had many ‘chief sinners’ in Nigeria – Nzeogwu, Ironsi, Gowon, Danjuma, Murtala Mohammed, Obasanjo, Babangida, Abacha – just to mention a few. It is heart warming that one of them, popularly called ‘Evil Genius’ has moved over to our side. What has happened? I hope it is a sincere conversion! So, help us Lord. Let the enemies of restructuring know that majority carries the vote. In the 1960s it was the rest of Nigeria, an obvious majority, against the Igbo. Now it is the Fulani led by PMB, an obvious minority against the rest of Nigeria.
-Col. RN Oputa Rtd., Consultant Endocrinologist/Fulbright Scholar, Owerri, Imo State.
A courageous piece
The stark reality is that we have “Nigeria without Nigerians”. Bravo, Sir, good and brave piece of writing!
–0813-205-3950
Who is afraid of restructuring?
Quite an interesting piece you had on Monday, 3 -07-2017. However, I will like to point out that any call for restructuring not done totally or done haphazardly will amount to complete balderdash (absolute nonsense). What do I mean? It appears that all the calls/views on restructuring centre only on two things (on two resources only). The interests have been on financial and material resource control.
The financial has always been fiscal federalism (fiscal/economic control) while the material has been devolution of power (to control the physical and material resources). Where lies then the third and the most vital resource – human resource (leadership), that guides, guards and generally manages the entire resources for productivity?
Until leadership, often seen as the bane of Nigeria’s development and prosperity is adequately and effectively tackled, we would still be where we are. According to the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, “Leadership is squarely and simply Nigeria’s problem.” If the older ones can leave the centre stage for the younger ones, methinks Nigeria will be better off.
About 41-30 years ago (1976 – 1987), between my pre-nursery and JSS 1, the likes of Obasanjo (1976-1979); Buhari (1984-1985); Babangida (1985-1987…1993); Jerry Gana (1986-1987 as MAMSER DG), etc. have been on Nigeria’s political scene. Does it then mean that Nigeria lacks younger minds that can propel this country forward and better? I strongly doubt! It is just that the younger minds have allowed themselves to be (for economic reasons) confined to spectators on the political fence/sideline thereby offering themselves as cheap, manipulatable and easily available pawns on political chessboard.
The irony is that these elders were very young when they had their early shots at government (less than 45 years). What are they still doing within the political arena? Are they not tired? Severally, they have failed and disappointed us. They keep recycling themselves yet, nothing but abysmal performances. I maintain, until they (elders) leave the “stage” completely, any hope of genuine progress in Nigeria will always meet brick wall. Enough is enough!
I, therefore, submit that restructuring is not just Nigeria’s problem, but effective and sincere leadership, particularly from the younger, vibrant, dynamic and innovative minds, independent of undue interference from the so-called godfathers. He that has ears, let him hear.
–Dr. Silba Ifeanyichukwu Uzochukwu, Enugu (08035504512; 08122982109).
Re: Federation of the angry
Eric, you wrote very well on “Federation of the angry”, published in Daily Sun of Monday, June 12, 2017, Back Page. It was very deep, complete and rich. God Bless you! -0703-053-6345
Mutual respect or we go our separate ways
I used to hate it. Restructuring! But now I want us to have a go at it: Let us go our separate ways. I see no reason why we should stay together with people who see nothing good in me. We must learn to respect and love one another or we go our separate ways!
–Ibrahim Nguru, 0803-392-3807
A vote for restructuring
Those who are afraid of restructuring have something to hide. Truth is, Nigeria is 36 countries in one nation! Virtually every state has either boundary or conflict issues with her neighbours. Equally to note, Nigeria will be far manageable country if it is restructured into South, East, North and West. But together with honesty, transparency and love, Nigeria can still be a land of prosperity because virtually every village in Nigeria is blessed with one resource or another. However, one big question is, who will be Nigeria’s most honest leader? Who will believe in Nigeria and Nigerians? Who will rescue over 130 million poor Nigerians?
-Friday Udo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 0802-762-2232