The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has responded to President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on restructuring.
The Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama said the position of the President that the issue was not more important than the process of governance, was contrary to the general public opinion.
President Buhari had in his New Year broadcast stated that his, “firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structures.”
But Kaigama explained most of those clamouring for restructuring are not calling for the separation of the country and added that the debate on restructuring must be sustained.
He said: “If having restructuring means to re-examine how things are done in the country in terms of allocation of resources, appointments in national offices, appointments that should be spread not just limited to a particular zone, if restructuring means justice, then, we should all go for it.”
“If restructuring means spending less on governance, then, there is every need to re-examine the structures. If restructuring means reducing drastically the cost of governance, then, there is no option than to embrace restructuring if we really meant well for Nigeria.”
The cleric further advised the current national government to be opened to divergent opinion on the restructuring debate as long as the unity of Nigeria is not put at stake.