By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
A ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mallam Muazu Magaji, has thrown his weight behind the unabated calls for the restructuring of Nigeria even as he insists that the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria has expired long ago.
Speaking on Channels Television Sunrise Daily programme on Thursday, Magaji who was a Member, APC Presidential Campaign Council, argued that the structure of present Nigeria is not working for the citizens no matter who is the President of Nigeria.
According to him: “I am convinced, like many Nigerians across the region that the structure of present Nigeria is not working. I must say it without fear of contradictions that the 1914 Amalgamation of Southern and Northern Nigeria has expired long ago hence the need for us as a people to seat round the table to chart a new federation”.
Magaji, a former Commissioner of Works in Kano State, who was disengaged because of his personal views on national issues therefore advocated for what he called ‘Development Federalism’.
Said he: “We are better together in Nigeria but the structure as presently operated is not working and the remedy is for Nigeria to adopt Development Federalism.
“I am a great believer in Nigeria, I am confident that if the country is restructured. And my idea of Development Federalism is to have the 6 existing geopolitical zones renamed regions with Abuja as the Center.
“By this arrangement, the South East Region known for her great industry and enterprise will be like Japan, home for auto industries and manufacturing. I have been to Nnewi, Anambra state and Aba, Abia state and have seen what our people can do with their hands. The same for South South Region where we have oil and where the wealth of the country resides.
“In the same vein, the South West Region known for its Marine or Aquatic lives hold great economic base for the nation while the 3 Northern Regions of the country houses Nigeria’s solid minerals, agricultural industry and commerce. All these regions will develop at their pace and bring wealth to Abuja being the Centre of the country. This way we will be better for it as a nation”, Magaji concluded.
Meanwhile, the Kano-based politician has urged the younger generation to be involved in party politics to be able to wrestle power from the old brigade.
According to him: ” The present generation of Nigerian politicians in power today have been in power since 40 years. I therefore call on youth and women to push for political involvement in order to rescue Nigeria”.
