The restructuring of Nigeria as being clamoured for across various ethnic groups in Nigeria has been described as a step that is long overdue.
A legal luminary, Barrister Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) stated this while speaking with journalists at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan during the 11th annual symposium organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN B-ZONE) yesterday.
According to Barr. Fagbemi, “the issue of restructuring is a thing which I believe is long overdue because we have neglected it for a long time and the farther that we are away from it the closer we are to a very serious collapse. We do not solve a problem by running away from it.
The problem we have in Nigeria is the effect of the fundamental cause and we cannot treat the effect in order to cure the cause. That is why I support the call for restructuring and when we talk of restructuring it means the one that will provide answers to the yearnings of the people, the agitation and prevent the total collapse of the system, the one that will guarantee the oneness and unity of Nigeria, the one that will metamorphose the country into a nation and will make our youths, police and the army and so on to be ready to die for the country.” He said.
Speaking on the theme, “The Nation’s Destiny” a lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Abdul Afis Oladosu urged Muslims not to allow themselves to be used as agents in destabilizing the peace of the country but to vote rightly to elect credible leaders during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
He noted that majority of those agitating for Nigeria’s disintegration are not sincere and don’t have the interest of the country at heart and don’t want the progress and prosperity of the country.
He stressed that there is no doubt that there are some challenges confronting Nigeria as a country but clamouring for the breakup of the country should not be the solution to address the challenges.
According to him, “it appears as if each time our country is postured to achieve greatness, certain forces would emerge not only to imperil it but also threaten to render its future asunder.
The 2023 general elections is at the corner, we desire credible election that would be trustworthy, dependable and satisfactory,” Oladosu said.
In his lecture at the symposium, a former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) also maintained that Nigeria needs peace at this point, adding that no country grows in a state of anarchy.
Dr. Banire who is also a former Commissioner in Lagos State said that electorates in Nigeria needed to be enlightened because most don’t know the reason they need to vote for the right candidate and follow their conscience rather than money.
He said that voting for a rightful candidate would help the country get to its desired destination and address the agitation on ethno-religious and the imperative of inclusiveness.
“What is responsible for all this agitation is inequality and injustice, people are not getting desire benefits based on the accident of trible, religion among other,” he said.
Banire called on Nigerians to consider themselves competent and do the right thing with the forthcoming general elections.
The MSSN B-Zone Amir, Qaasim Odedeji, said the programme which started eleven years ago provided a great avenue to gather eminent personalities from academia, business industry, politics as well as government functionaries to discuss current issues of national concern and make useful recommendations.
Odedeji said that the topic was carefully chosen and came at the right time especially with the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
He called on Nigerians, especially the Muslins to fully participate in the 2023 general elections and vote for people of good character and with fear of Allah to ensure good governance.
Odedeji further called on stakeholders, politicians and their supporters to play the game of politics by the rule and focus their campaign on issues that are germane to the development of the country.
Other dignitaries at the programme were the Executive Secretary Muslim Umah of South West Nigeria, Prof. Muslih Tayo Yahyah, Dr. Amao Alaga, MSSN National Amir, Mallam Uthman Abukakr, Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Abdulganiy Raji, former MSSN National Amir, Dr. Taofiq Yekeen, the Iyalaje Adinni of Oyo State, Alhaja Ambassador Romoke Ayinde (Kayrom Lee) and the Iyaloja of Ibadan, Chief Mrs Isiwat Ameringun.
Highlights of the event include presentation of awards to the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum and former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
