By Daud Olatunji
ABEOKUTA—FORMER National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a Presidential aspirant, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, yesterday, identified restructuring as the only solution to the problems confronting Nigeria.
Makarfi promised to restructure Nigeria along three lines of political, economic and social structures if elected president of Nigeria in the 2019 general elections.
He said this while addressing PDP leaders, in Lagos and Ogun States.
He said: “If elected president in 2019, the restructuring will be the first thing my government will look into for the even development of the country.”
Makarfi explained that restructuring is not about politics alone, but social and economic restructuring in such a way that will make the public institutions responsible to the people and eliminate ethnic bickering in Nigeria.
According to him, social restructuring must include the nation’s security apparatus as well as other public agencies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, NNPC, and power sector in such a manner that would make them accountable to the people of Nigeria.
He, however, explained that restructuring Kaduna State was a major factor that ensured the success of his administration when he was the governor which he said made peace for all the residents.
He said: “The rate of death in Nigeria today is alarming. It is beginning to mean that when 50 people die, it is no longer news. We must ensure comprehensive security across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
He said if elected, the Federal Government under his administration will work with the states, local governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders towards working on the nation’s security and ensure comprehensive security and peace in the land.
He noted that with the present centralisation of the power sector’s generation, transmission and distribution is dangerous for the country in that once a division develops a problem, the entire country would be in darkness.
On the economy, Makarfi said the private sector would be encouraged so as to grow and provide jobs for teeming unemployed Nigerian youths.