2nd Term: Bishop Recommends Restructuring To Buhari

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Fr. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokaforhas recommended restructuring the country to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, in his second tenure as a remedy to the manysocio-economic problems bedeviling Nigeria.

Responding to questions during a media chat, eve to the inauguration of PresidentBuhari into office to start the second leg of his administration, Bishop Ezeokafor while congratulating the president, enjoined him to consider starting the process of restructuring the country into a true federalism whereby all the various regions are allowed to develop themselves with their resources and contribute to the centre.

This, the Cleric said, would serve as an all-purpose elixir to the many socio-economicproblems including insecurity which are bedeviling the country.

Bishop Ezeokafor reminded the president that given the tenure is going to be his last and that he is an old man, taking a step in the direction of restructuring and thereby arresting the problems of insecurity, underdevelopment, youth unemployment and the resultant storm of crime and unrest, corruption, would serve as a legacy that will carve his name in gold after he is gone.

He maintained that unless this is done, the country will continue to deteriorate into anarchy.

In his words, “I am one of those that believe in restructuring.  I have been to developed countries and find that they tackle security issues and other socio-economic by having strong community based policing and other systems which are more effective than what is obtainable in our country, Nigeria. Unless the various regions are given the opportunity to develop and contribute to the centre, we will not make much progress as a country.”

Speaking further, the Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese insisted that “state policing is ideal for any right thinking government as it is done in other parts of the world that are developed.”

While giving kudos to the Buhari government in its efforts so far stating that “the government is trying,” the bishop stated that there is “room for improvement” if more sincere effort is made by Buhari especially as he steps into a new tenure.

He also called on the presidency to address the suspicions of fulanisation and islamisation agenda which were highlighted recently by the former president, Dr Olusegun  Obasanjo by ensuring that the rumour of giving the herdsmen 50 million dollars and acquiring a radio license for them, other “kid glove approaches” given to the menace they and their Boko Haram counterparts are causing so far in various parts of the country as well as the policy of withdrawing firearm possession license from Nigerians are not allowed to become realities.

He said that such gestures rumoured only enforce the suspicions other parts of the country have of Buhari’s intentions for the country. He on that note called on Christians across the country to stay vigilant and ready to defend themselves if the occasion calls for it stating that such is their scriptural and constitutional right. The bishop added that the Catholic Church will continue to pray for the country Nigeria and her leaders until God intervenes.