Senator Shehu Sani, an outspoken campaigner for human rights and a public speaker, has asserted that the Southeast has suffered greatly due to an external factor. When asked about restructuring, Shehu Sani told The Sun that, barring a return to Nigeria's six regional agreements, it would be fair and just to level the southeast with other zones. He believes that the region should be afforded the state it requires to stimulate growth in that part of the country. Shehu continued by saying that the Southeast has endured unfair treatment and continues to carry the shame of its past into the present and future.
His warning was that the unity of Nigeria would be jeopardised by such a move. He pointed out, "First of all, we cannot be talking about forming states if we are talking about Nigeria's future, a restructure." The federal government of Nigeria will be restructured so that at least six regions are formed. Each area will then have the autonomy to establish its own policies, initiatives, and revenue streams. Also, in my opinion, we shouldn't even consider creating a state if we're serious about getting that done.
"But it is fair and just that the Southeast will be equated with other zones and given a state that they need if it will bring progress to that area of the country," said he, "if we are not going to go back into six regional structures." The people living there have suffered greatly for reasons that have nothing to do with their own country, and the shame they've experienced throughout the years has been handed down through the generations, causing serious problems for the country's cohesion.