From Jimoh Ahmed, Ikare Akoko

A properly conceptualized and implemented restructuring before the 2023 general elections is what Nigeria needs to get out of the current political logjam in the country.
Former Chairman of Independence National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, made this assertion while delivering the 2021 Public Lecture of the College of Social and Management Sciences of Achievers’ University, Owo on Tuesday.
Professor Jega said although this is not a sufficient condition for a stable developing democracy and economic stability in the country, it must be done with good democratic governance.
“Restructuring, appropriately conceptualized and implemented, is a necessary and desirable, though it is not a sufficient condition, for making Nigeria a stable developing federal democracy”.
The erudite academic scholar however said efforts must be devoted towards a national consensus on the issue.
“In any case, effort and energies need to be devoted towards generating an elite, if not national consensus on the necessity of restructuring, defined as redistribution of power and resources from the federal government to the state governments, to be commenced before the elections in 2023″.
According to the lecturer, Nigerians should not ” abandon the conversation and advocacy about restructuring to reckless, vision less and shortsighted politicians and their extremist allies”.
He emphasized that the imbalance, inequalities and perceived injustices would be resolved by restructuring while there will be a dawn of stability, peaceful coexistence, sustainable socioeconomic and democratic development.
He however suggested that the best way to achieve a desirable positive changes through constitutional amendments is by giving more power to the state governments.
According to him, doing this will entrench good democratic governance at all levels.
He equally suggested that elective officials in both executive and legislative arms of government need to gather the courage and have the political will to work together to actualise restructuring presentation before 2023.
He posited that addressing the imbalance and inequalities in the federal system of government in Nigeria has been ignored for too long.
Professor Jega therefore stated that a consensus agenda for restructuring would stabilise Nigeria and nurture peaceful coexistence, bring about the much needed national cohesion, integration and deepen unity and diversity, consolidate democratic development and take the country to a greater height and prominence in the international scene.
Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III in his remark st the occassion called for a new constitution to replace the existing one.
The Olowo however said the new constitution must be a working one that will take the country out of its present political quagmire.
The monarch who said that it is obvious that Nigeria is not currently working berated the present system of federalism.
He however called on all as individuals and those in charge of running the country to have a change of heart and begin to think of how to make the country a better place.
He commended the authority of Achivers University, Owo for bringing Professor Jega to Owo for the lecture.