Politics
Economic restructuring is what Nigeria truly needs –Falana
As issues of restructuring continue to dominate the national discourse, a Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has explained that the actual restructuring that Nigerians should be looking at is that of the economy.
According to him, the real restructuring will centre on job creation for the youths, issues affecting women and must also look at ways of addressing issues of employed people, peasant farmers and workers.
Falana argued that the present argument on restructuring, which majorly revolves around the devolution of power, will by no means proffer the needed solutions to the problems of the country.
He stated this when he spoke with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, adding that it was necessary Nigerians take their destinies in their own hands if they truly want the ongoing abuse by the ruling elite to stop.
He said, “The whole debate is centered around devolution of political powers without responsibilities. And I am saying that the bottom line of restructuring is economy. The majority of our people are poor and they are battling for survival.
“So, if you want more powers from Abuja, it has no relevance to the poor masses. Restructuring has to do with job creation for the youths and the resources of this country are enormous to accommodate the demands of the youths. Women must be factored into restructuring, the employed people, peasant farmers and workers.
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“Unfortunately, nobody is talking about these categories of people when we are talking about restructuring. We are only interested in transferring more powers from Abuja to the states. That would not work and that is my own position. So, if we are going to talk about restructuring, the economy of this country must be restructured.”
On the need for the Federal Government to strengthen the anti-corruption war for restructuring to be meaningful he said, “Why are you selling marginal oilfield to individuals when the states are suffering. Why don’t you lease them to the states so that they can make money to run the business of government?”
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