Call for Restructuring: Rebirth Group commends Middle Belt
… advocates for six or eight regional structure for the country
A non-governmental organization dedicated to the realization of a new Nigeria that is truly federal, The Rebirth Group (TRG), has commended the Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Organisations (CIMBO), for its declaration of support for restructuring the country into regions for the purpose of ensuring “self-determination and promote national unity”.
The commendation was contained in Press Statement signed by Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Convener of the Rebirth Group (TRG) and Col. C. B. D Waziri, the organization was reacting to the outcome of the two-day conference held in Kaduna on Friday, August 30, and Saturday 31, 2024 by CIMBO in which it stated clearly that “the constitution should be re-written to “guarantee justice, equity and control over land and natural resources”.
TRG, which is an arm of New Nation Enlightenment Foundation (NNEF), stated that CIMBO’s position as contained in the communique after its Kaduna Conference, “serves as a beacon of hope for achieving a truly inclusive and representative governance structure”.
TRG, which is advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria into six or eight regions, was enthusiastic over the growing calls for restructuring. It cited among others, the recent visit of The Patriots led by the elder statesman, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, to President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, Abuja, where it demanded for the restructuring of Nigeria and the abrogation of the 1999 national Constitution. The group also referenced the unrelenting advocacy of Restructuring by Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization as well as that of the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) under the leadership of the elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark.
The Rebirth Group also acknowledged the view of the President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Ugorji. The head of the Catholic Bishops had stated that: “Having experimented with the presidential system of government for over 25 years and having groped in the dark in search of solutions to our socio-economic problems”, this seems to be the opportune time “to heed the advice of some of our best minds who are advocating a return to the former regional system of government as envisaged by the wise founding fathers of our nation, or to devolve power to the current six geopolitical zones.”
Similarly, a symposium recently organized by Ugbarajo Iwere Leaders Foundation, an Itsekiri socio-cultural group in Warri, Delta State to commemorate the 3rd coronation anniversary of Olu of Warri, Oba Ogiame Atuwatse III, emphasized the urgent need “to restructure the country to address the multitude of challenges affecting our nation”.
Observing that “these calls reflect a broader desire among our people for a more balanced and fair governance structure that can effectively address the unique challenges faced by Nigeria’s diverse population”, the Rebirth Group commended the Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Organisations for “joining the league of those who are pressing for the restructuring of the country”. The body maintained that restructuring at this moment “is very essential for the peaceful coexistence and economic prosperity of all Nigerians. Such will pave the way for a more balanced and equitable future, where every citizen, irrespective of their ethnic background, has a voice and stake in our collective progress”.
