Okowa urges restructuring for equity, fairness, justice

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, at the weekend reiterated the need for the proper restructuring of the country where the federating units could truly operate on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.

He made the call while receiving leaders of the South-South and Middle Belt Forum, comprising Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ohaneze Ndigbo, Afenifere and Middle Belt, who visited him in Asaba.

Maintaining that the appeal has become imperative, the governor added that restructuring was key to the promotion of true federalism.His words: “We should remind the nation and the Federal Government that there is need for restructuring, as the constitution of the country was not given to the nation by Nigerians.

“The National Assembly had made attempts to amend it (the constitution) but due to divergence of views, it has not been easy to amend it.

“Unfortunately, a whole lot of things are sacrificed on the altar of politics and political parties, and this is a major problem in this country.”
Okowa lauded the visitors for their sustained advocacy for restructuring and true federalism, noting: “I believe that you people are doing a good work.”

He added: “You need the support of all, and on my part, the little I can do, I will do to support you to the best of my ability.”

On the recent killing of 10 people at Uwheru kingdom in Ughelli North Local Council of the state by suspected herdsmen, the governor said his administration was finalising arrangements to assist the children and families of the victims, adding that the menace had become a nationwide challenge.

He, however, expressed hope that a lasting solution would be proffered to the endemic problem.Earlier, Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who spoke on behalf of the leader of the forum, Chief Edwin Clark, told their host that they were in his office to lend support to the South-South Governors Forum’s initiative to float a regional security outfit as well as to condole with him and the people of state over the recent killings.

He restated that the group wanted the country to be restructured, explaining that restructuring, which was not a new or political philosophy, had a lot to do with true federalism.

According to him, anyone opposed to idea is an enemy of the country.Adebanjo commended Okowa for his “passionate commitment towards the infrastructure development of Delta.”
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