Presidency not opposed to restructuring Nigeria, says Garba Shehu

…Only N’Assembly can restructure Nigeria

Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, has said the Presidency is not against restructuring of the country.

He however maintained that the move could not be spearheaded by President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that only the National Assembly had been empowered to restructure the country.

He, therefore, advised proponents of restructuring to approach the legislature with their request.

Shehu, spoke with The PUNCH, in response to calls on Thursday by prominent Nigerians at a forum in Abuja to urgently restructure Nigeria in order to address the security and other socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Some of those who made the call are the immediate past President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo; a chieftain of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

They made the call at the 18th Daily Trust Dialogue with the theme: ‘Restructuring in Nigeria: Why? How? When?’

They suggested that the country should be restructured to make Nigeria work for all citizens.

Shehu said, “Our position on the call for restructuring has not changed.

“People are calling it restructuring; the ruling party, APC, and the government call it devolution.

“Whichever name you call it, the government is not opposed to it. What we are saying is that the parliament is the body empowered by law to effect any change in the nation’s structure.

“The process of constitution review is ongoing in the National Assembly now. We advise proponents of restructuring to approach the parliament and take advantage of the opportunity that ongoing process offers.”