Afenifere insists on restructuring says time is now

You're referring to the recent statement by Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political group, calling for the restructuring of Nigeria.

Afenifere, which is one of the most prominent ethnic groups in Nigeria, has been advocating for restructuring for a long time. In their recent statement, they emphasized that the time is now ripe for the country to restructure its governance system.

The group's leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, stated that the current system of government is not working and that the country needs a new approach to address its numerous challenges. He argued that the 1999 Constitution, which is the foundation of the country's governance system, is flawed and needs to be reviewed.

Afenifere's call for restructuring is not new, but it has gained more momentum in recent times due to the country's economic and political challenges. The group believes that restructuring will help to address issues such as:

  1. Resource control: Afenifere wants the federal government to devolve more powers to the states and local governments, allowing them to control their natural resources and make decisions about their development.
  2. Fiscal federalism: The group wants a more equitable distribution of revenue between the federal government and the states, to ensure that each level of government has the resources it needs to function effectively.
  3. Redefining the relationship between the federal government and the states: Afenifere wants to redefine the relationship between the federal government and the states, to ensure that each level of government has a clear role and responsibility.
  4. Addressing the issue of marginalization: The group wants to address the issue of marginalization, particularly in the South-West region, where they feel that the region has been neglected and underdeveloped.

It's worth noting that Afenifere's call for restructuring is not without controversy. Some people have criticized the group's approach, arguing that it is divisive and could lead to further fragmentation of the country. Others have argued that the country's problems are more complex and require a more comprehensive approach to address.

However, many Nigerians, including some prominent leaders, have expressed support for Afenifere's call for restructuring. They believe that it is a necessary step towards addressing the country's challenges and building a more equitable and just society.

Ultimately, the success of Afenifere's call for restructuring will depend on the willingness of the federal government and other stakeholders to engage in a meaningful dialogue and work towards a more inclusive and equitable governance system.