Press Statement
Pro National Conference Organization (PRONACO) has hailed the renewed call by prominent Nigerians and leaders of thought for urgent political restructuring of the Nigerian Federation
It would be recalled that former Vice President, Atiku Abubarkar, as well as other prominent leaders and groups in the country made a renewed advocacy for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation during the week ostensibly to neutralise the mounting insurgency and violence over perceived marginalization in parts of the country
PRONACO, the main citizens’ movement advocating for national restructuring based on democratic self-determination and peoples’ ownership of the Nigerian constitution said the interjection of the political class has reignited hope for national cohesion and political stability in the country
The coalition which was initiated by eminent leaders of thought in 2004 under the revered leadership of late Chief Anthony Enahoro, who moved the historic motion for independence of Nigeria and his able compatriot, Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, gave this applause in a media interjection on the state of Nigeria in Lagos at the weekend
Addressing the nation, through its spokesperson, Olawale Okunniyi who is also the Head of Secretariat of Nigeria Political Summit Group, NPSG, the body stressed the inevitability of a popular restructuring if Nigeria must survive its unending lack of political cohesion and instability
Okunniyi, a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari however cautioned that a legitimate and valid constitutional restructuring of Nigeria can only become a reality if the Federal Government initiates a popularly composed constituent assembly and a popular referendum to agree on the most suitable structure for the country based on the various resolutions of past national conferences in the country
The group however noted that President Buhari as one of the leaders who physically identified and related with PRONACO to produce a peoples’ draft constitution during its independently convoked citizens’ driven Peoples National Conference, PNC for national restructuring between 2004 and 2006 is more likely to toe the line of national restructuring as he was deemed to understand the positive import of a successful political restructuring on the country’s development
According to Okunniy, “The snag that has previously hindered a valid national restructuring in Nigeria is the genuine fear of every past leader of the country not to preside over an unintended consequence of such initiative like the breakup of the country among others.
“And President Buhari too given his military training to defend the unity of Nigeria may also be cautious and reticent except he is able to get visible cooperation and firm impetus from the political class as they are currently doing as well as practicable blue print and roadmap for a sustainable restructuring.”
While acknowledging the sensitive and volatile nature of the Nigerian National Question and the rigorous, expensive and delicate process to be undertaken for a legitimate restructuring, Okunniyi noted that the difference between President Buhari and other past leaders is his profound believe in the masses and principle of popular collective change
“The President usual assertion that peace, stability and development in a country is not dependent on the genuine fears or concern of the presiding leader but the popular will and yearnings of the people especially in their majorities is our assurance on this matter,” Okunniyi averred.
Mr. Olubori Obafemi
Media Assistant
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