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Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Effurun, Delta State canvassed for “a more united Nigeria”.
Jonathan, while speaking as the Chairman on the occasion of a Colloquium to mark 20 years of operation by the Wellmann Group of Companies, noted that the concept of a nation is yet to evolve in Nigeria.
“Most leaders of the country had to dwell so much on issues that divide the country more than things that would unite Nigerians”, he said.
The former President spoke just as the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, called for restructuring of the country.
He also called for “the devolution of powers to the states, to the extent that more responsibilities be given to them while the Federal Government is vested with the responsibility of overseeing foreign policy, defence and economy”.
Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, emphasised that one of the most vexed issues in the country is that of devolution of power to the states.
He observed that the theme for the colloquium, “The Coast-to-Coast X-ray of the Nigerian Project: What Panacea?” has been well canvased for in Nigeria, but without a blueprint or consensus on the Nigerian Project.
He said, “The Wellman Group has chosen a topic, which has been well canvassed in the country but there has not been a blueprint or concensus on the Nigerian Project.
“Discourse of the Nigerian Project is a veritable platform that gives room to attempts to rejig Nigeria’s narrative to positively reverse the doubts and negative perceptions of Nigeria both locally and globally.
“It is also a national attempt at resolving clear internal contradictions in a multi-ethnic Nigerian State in the post-colonial era; it has assumed a life of its own and no matter how far opponents of recasting Nigeria may go, it will not go away.
“I dare say that it is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians that we should all come to terms with tinkering with the Nigerian Federation and coming up with structures that will stand the test of time for the good of all. Interestingly, the theme of this Colloquium is, “Coast to Coast X-Ray of the Nigerian Project: What Panacea?.”
According to him, Nigeria remains a patchwork, pieced together from the diverse distinct nationalities hurriedly joined by common colonial experience.
“So far, the country has continued to trudge on but the inherent gaps in the piecing together continue to yawn like a toothless mouth.
“One of the most vexed issues is that of devolution of power to the States; while restructuring and the attendant devolution of power might not be the be-all-and-end-all solution to our country’s problems, tinkering with the Constitution to accommodate fresh ideas will surely strengthen our union as a country.
“It is presumably agreed that we subscribe to our unity in diversity, but we have to make extra efforts to strengthen the structures and make them more functional; definitely, the comparative advantages in various States will come to the fore.
“We need to start producing again and collecting taxes to run the States in a more sustainable way but with greater transparency and accountability,” he urged.
He stated the need for a national dialogue by whatever name it is called by all and sundry to agree on a fundamental restructuring of the country.
“It is a win-win solution that gives room to States to develop at their own pace; competition will ensue and it will be in the best interest of all.
“The resolutions of the former national confab should either be adopted or brought forward for further debate and adoption,” he added.
Other speakers at the occasion including Ambassador Arakana Chihombori-Quao, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, Dr Moses Umoru, Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, suggested ways to strengthen the economy of Nigeria and that of Africa in general.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wellman Group of Companies, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, recalled how the company was formed twenty years ago, and stated that its achievements within the period deserved to be celebrated.
In attendance at the event were traditional rulers, captains of industry as well as people from other walks of life.
