VOR expresses readiness to collaborate with The Patriots, others on restructuring    

A non-governmental organisation, Voice of Reason (VOR), has expressed its readiness to collaborate with The Patriots on the quest to restructure the country.                                                

It, therefore, called on the governments and other stakeholders to expedite action that will lead to the restructuring of Nigeria on a regional basis.              

VOR’s position is contained in a statement by its general secretary, Mr Kamar Raji.              

It also canvassed for the return to a parliamentary system of government, commending The Patriots and The Rebirth Group (TRG) on the advocacy. 

The statement, which praised The Patriots and The Rebirth Group (TRG) for their strident advocacy for restructuring and return to the parliamentary system of government, asserted that VOR “is ready to collaborate with all genuine actors in bringing about a restructured Nigeria that is anchored on equity, justice, security, and sustainable development”.   

The Patriots, at a summit held in Abuja recently, brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders and declared that the urgently needs a new constitution—one that genuinely reflects the aspirations and sovereignty of its peoples. 

Shortly thereafter, The Rebirth Group (TRG) hosted its third Regional Conversation in Enugu under the theme: “Restructuring Nigeria: Pathway to Peace, Equity, and Sustainable Development,” which also attracted eminent Nigerians from across the geopolitical zones.                         

The symposiasts advocated the restructuring of Nigeria into eight autonomous regions, each constitutionally empowered to govern its affairs, manage its resources and ensure its security within a cooperative federal framework.

According to the Voice of Reason (VOR), “these conversations underscore a growing national consensus to wit: Nigeria’s progress is contingent upon meaningful restructuring. The current over-centralised system has stifled innovation, eroded accountability and deepened discontent.”

The NGO, comprising distinguished Yoruba intellectuals, entrepreneurs and professionals, insisted that “Restructuring — through devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and enhanced regional autonomy — offers a peaceful and democratic pathway to unlock the full potential of all regions”.

Maintaining that Nigeria’s progress is contingent upon meaningful restructuring, the body argued that “the current over-centralized system has stifled innovation, eroded accountability and deepened discontent” adding that Nigeria, at the moment, is at a critical juncture in its history in which “failure to take urgent action may lead to the aggravation of the crises that imperil our unity and future”. 

It, however, stated that VoR is of the opinion that disconcerting as the situation appears to be, “with courage, vision — qualities we believe our President (Tinubu) embodies — and the collective resolve of peace-loving Nigerians, we can build a just, prosperous and harmonious federation where every nationality flourishes”.

To realise the objective, VoR urged “critical stakeholders — across political, ethnic, and religious lines, including traditional institutions, professional bodies, civil society, youth organisations and the private sector — to unite in a national rescue mission and embrace inter-regional dialogue for a restructured, prosperous Nigeria”.

It called on the Federal Government to heed the voice of the people by initiating the restructuring process in a transparent, inclusive and participatory manner.

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