Anyaoku to FG: Restructuring remains only solution to peace, unity in Nigeria

Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has insisted that restructuring remains the only solution to the problem of rising insecurity in the country.

Speaking during the ‘Chief Emeka Anyaoku 10th lecture series on Good Governance’ which held with the theme; ‘Leadership and good governance in Nigeria,’ Thursday, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka, in Anambra State, the former envoy said restructuring remains the only tool and solution for effective administration of good governance particularly in a multi-ethnic setup like Nigeria.

“Since I came back in 2002, I have been advocating for the unity of this country which I know, remains the only tool to effectively administer good governance in a multi-ethnic group country.

 “Restructuring of the country remains the only solution to Nigeria’s peace and unity which will subsequently end the Biafra and Ododuwa Nation agitations,” Chief Anyaoku said.

Chief Anyaoku said that he feels depressed by the security challenges confronting the country and sad seeing Nigerians being kidnapped, killed daily.

“What I read on national dailies every day about the current situation in Nigeria, at my age it depresses me. This is not the kind of country our founding fathers dreamt of and left for us. They understand the governance suitable for our country with such diversity as ours,” he said.

The elder statesman called on the Government at all levels to deploy more security architecture to checkmate the incessant destruction and killings.

The former Commonwealth Secretary-General also expressed displeasure at the declining sense of national unity in the country.

He called on well-to-do individuals to site cottage industries in rural areas to help curb youth restiveness.

Also speaking, former governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke who was the Chairman of the event emphasized the need for a symbiotic relationship between the leaders and followers.

“This lecture series is most appropriate for the youth now, I urge them to take interest in leadership and identify those who will espouse those visions. We have not been able to develop the vast resources Nigeria is endowed with to go round the followers. The gap is so wide,” Duke said.

On the issue of how to make the youth get interested in governance, Duke responded that the government should invest in the judiciary to attain total independence which will, in turn, accelerate justice and consequently increase the faith of the youth in the polity.

In the same vein, Professor Kingsley Moghalu who was the keynote speaker expressed his pleasure with the lecture series at this critical time in the nation.

According to him, the country needs to dwell on the real foundation for good governance and development.

“The emphasis should be on core values with a sense of sacrifice, our leaders should go back to the era of serving the people and not serving self. The buck stops with the leaders, there are no excuses. So, I call on the youth to demystify the Nigerian leadership and take up the mantle. Hold your leaders accountable,” Professor Moghalu said.

Chief host, and Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano in his welcome address expressed fulfilment in having succeeded in hosting the Chief Emeka Anyaoku lecture series before the end of his tenure.

“I had to host this event, this is the second time the lecture series is coming to Anambra State, my predecessor hosted the lectures. I will not be happy if I didn’t host this in my entire 8 years in office,” Chief Obiano said.

Senator Ben Bruce, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Traditional rulers, members of State and National Assemblies, past and serving, members of the State Executive Council, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Anambra Gubernatorial candidates of various political parties, party officials, members of civil societies and other stakeholders were in attendance.

However, Chief Anyaoku’s call comes amid position taken by the spokesman for the Presidency, Shehu Garba, who, Thursday, posited that Nigeria will not break and will surmount its challenges.

Speaking during the 2021 Kwararafa Reporters annual lecture and award ceremony in Abuja, Garba had urged Nigerians to consider the country as a united entity built on the strength of its diversity that cannot be broken.

Garba who is Senior Special Assistant to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu said: “Nigeria will not break and will surmount its challenges,” urged Nigerians to be patriotic and have the spirit of being a brother keeper. Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode noted that “war is not the best for Nigeria … peace is the way forward”.

He identified tolerance and understanding as pivotal instruments to nation-building.