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Afenifere, Ohanaeze, ACF Demand Restructuring, Want Nigeria Renamed
The major ethnic groups in Nigeria under the aegis of The Rebirth Group (TRG) have recommended regionalism and parliamentary system as the only way to tackle various challenges plaguing the country.
The TRG, comprising Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (ACF) and other ethnic groups, also said the country should be renamed United Regions of Nigeria (URN).
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a symposium in Kaduna.
The symposium titled, ‘Envisioning Nigeria’s Future: Addressing the National Question’, was convened by Owolabi Oladejo.
According to the communique, which was jointly signed by Comrade Jare Ajayi, Mr. Olaolu Abogunloko and Mr. DIY Nweze, the groups resolved that the country should be reorganised into regions.
According to the communique, “the regions should be given more powers over their respective affairs. The central government is to concern itself only with issues that the federating units cannot handle. The central government should be smaller and smarter.”
After various speakers spoke on topics such as Restructuring: Pathways to True Federalism; Economic Restructuring for Sustainable Development, and Unity in Diversity: Building a Cohesive Nigerian Identity, it was unanimously agreed that “the way Nigeria is presently structured and is being run is largely responsible for why the country is not working in the interest of Nigerians.”
At the symposium, which was the second of its kind, participants also clarified that restructuring into regions is not meant to abrogate present states but to make them form “federating units to make the country to be known as United Regions of Nigeria (URN) or any other nomenclature that we find convenient.
“Each Region is to have its own Constitution and be autonomous. This is to ensure that they are in a proper position to operationalize self-determination. The restructuring must be such that the community, state and local government from where certain resources come should have 70 per cent of the proceeds of the resources while 30 per cent goes to the centre.”
The forum, which was chaired by Dr. Bitrus Pogu who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Alamu, also resolved that each region should be equal to the other in status and ranking.
“Efforts should be made to heal the wounds in the country by, for instance, setting up a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission and constitutional roles were advocated for traditional rulers in the country,” the communique added.
Organisations represented at the symposium include Ohaneze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Middle Belt Forum, Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Socio-Community Youth Association of Nigeria ,SCOYAN, Yoruba Referendum, Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter; ICATAFA Igbo Community, Kaduna, Yoruba Community, Kaduna, Tarayyar Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri Christian Association in Nigeria and Western Region Organisation.
Others were Socio-Community Youth Association of Nigeria (SCOYAN), Southern Borno Residents in Kaduna, Yobe Community Residents in Kaduna, Adamawa Community Residents in Kaduna and Taraba Community Residents in Kaduna.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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