In a recent interview with The Sun, former governor of Plateau State, Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun, offered profound insights into the underlying factors contributing to the stagnation of development efforts in Nigeria.
Addressing a myriad of critical issues facing the nation, Tapgun shared his perspective on the activities of the National Assembly and the imperative of implementing the recommendations outlined in the national conference report. Expressing skepticism regarding the efficacy of the current legislative endeavors, Tapgun emphasized the pivotal necessity of restructuring as a viable solution to address the various secessionist tendencies prevailing across the country.
Highlighting the transformative potential of restructuring, Tapgun underscored its capacity to mitigate the underlying grievances fueling secessionist agitations. He contended that restructuring would dismantle the entrenched power dynamics that perpetuate injustices within the Nigerian polity, thereby fostering a more equitable and inclusive governance framework.
Tapgun elucidated on the complex fabric of Nigerian society, characterized by its diverse ethnic composition and disparate regional aspirations. He emphasized the imperative of affording autonomy to various demographic segments, enabling them to assert control over their destinies and foster a sense of ownership in the national project.
Central to Tapgun's argument was the assertion that secessionist sentiments stem from a profound sense of injustice and marginalization experienced by certain groups within the country. He asserted that restructuring would serve as a catalyst for addressing these grievances, offering a pathway towards genuine reconciliation and national cohesion.
In his words: "Restructure it and allow people to take control of their destiny from the beginning. I don’t think you will see all these agitations by people because it’s as a result of injustice. You cry that you want to go, you want to stay separately. It is because you feel you are being unjustly treated. That is just the reason. But once opportunity is given to everybody to move, I don’t think you will hear all these things again. That’s why the country has to be restructured," Tapgun stated.