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.

READ ALSO: Scandal brews as Nigerian govt admits recalling wanted Maina back to office

“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?”

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now