Restructuring: “Those against restructuring, true federalism lack understanding of a united Nigeria”

A one time Nigerian Ambassador to the Scandinavian countries Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway‎, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali,yesterday expressed concern over the actions of the National Assembly members and those against calls for restructuring of the Nation along true federalism, saying such anti-restructuring posture is a sign of ignorance on the need for a united country.

According to Ambassador Igali, though he is not in support of those calling for secession and division of the country, the calls for true Federation, integration and restructuring is not a call for division but that the unity of the country should be re-negotiated based on justice and fairness.

Igali, who made this known yesterday during a Public Lecture organised to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Odi Ogori Ba Uge International Festival 2017 at Odi Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Councils‎, said those against the renewed agitation for restructuring and integration does not understand the journey of how the country Nigeria was created and have lived as a United and indivisble country.

He noted that despite the Military destruction of the pre-1960 agreement and ground rules reached by late Nationalists on true fiscal federalism and Unity, ” when you restructure, the different component units have agreed to stay together. I don’t believe that Nigeria will scatter.

There is strenght in coming together and in diversity.Nation’s are formed by negotiations. People sit down to negotiate on how they are going to live together.”

“Because we are different people, Unity in diversity does not mean the integral parts are not equal. It only means we have dedicated to stay together.

Integration and true federalism does not mean we are scattered but that the people have resolved to remain stronger with ground rules on fiscal federalism and other issues on a Federation with the centre not over burdened.Unity must be based on fairplay,Unity,justice,fairness. Let all units be happy.”

On the issue of rising agitation by members of the Independent People of Biafra(IPOB) for secession, Ambassador Boladei-Igali said the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable, “It is not always the best when some people are advocating for a break away or seccession.

We need each other sometimes.We have come together and must remained together as one so that we can benefit from every unit. It is important.”

“It is not going to be easy. It is not going to be easy for the different component units. It is important that Nigerians should stay together.