According to Punch Newspaper, Chief Edwin Clark, an elder statesman and National Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, has reiterated the need for Nigeria to revisit the issue of restructuring. He emphasized this during a recent discussion where he addressed the resurfacing of the national conference report under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. Clark highlighted the importance of restructuring as a means to address various socio-political issues plaguing the nation. According to him, ignoring the need for restructuring continues to exacerbate tensions in different regions, particularly in the Niger Delta.
Clark also touched on the rising tension in Rivers State, which has been marked by a lingering feud between Governor Sim Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This discord, according to Clark, is symptomatic of the broader issues that restructuring aims to address. He pointed out that the existing political structure fails to adequately address the grievances and aspirations of various groups, leading to conflicts and instability. The elder statesman believes that a restructured Nigeria would foster a more equitable distribution of resources and political power, thereby reducing such tensions.
During his tenure, former President Buhari was presented with the national conference report, which recommended significant restructuring of the country. Clark recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had formed a committee to look into the matter, comprising notable figures such as El-Rufai, some professors, and past governors. Despite this, Buhari dismissed the report, firmly stating that he did not believe in restructuring and that it was unnecessary even within the constitutional framework.
Clark expressed disappointment over Buhari’s rejection of the report, stressing that the decision was a missed opportunity for Nigeria to address critical issues affecting various ethnic groups, particularly the Igbo. He argued that restructuring could provide a platform for these groups to achieve greater political and economic equity. According to Clark, the refusal to consider restructuring reflects a lack of commitment to addressing the root causes of Nigeria's persistent regional and ethnic tensions.
He said: They said that following a renewed agitation for restructuring, the APC should look into it. The committee comprised El-Rufai, some professors, and past governors. It was a team of about 20. They came out with a report, and I also came up with the report of the national conference. So, we all heard it.
However, former President Buhari did not agree. He stamped his feet and said no, he did not believe in restructuring and that he could do away with it, even in the constitution, and that was it. But we need to look at one of the areas, which concern the Igbo.