Ebun Francis || Governor Kashim Shettima of Bornu state on Thursday stirred controversy when he described the recent clamour for restructuring of the country as a “madness” that can be cured by good governance.
Many Nigerians have demanded, following heightening tensions between ethnic nationalities, restructuring of the country of the country as a way of resolving many of the numerous challenges facing the country.
But in dismissing such fears, the governor said, ‘Restructuring my foot! To hell with restructuring’.
“Let us improve on governance, let us work for the people, invest in education, create jobs for our people, this madness will stop.”
The Bornu State governor made the comment at the public presentation of a book, “On a Platter of Gold”, written by former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, who is now the spokesperson of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
The book chronicles how Mr. Jonathan became president of Nigeria in 2011 but lost the office at the 2015 general election.
Mr. Shettima, who was the Father of the Day, dismissed the clamour for restructuring, saying “To hell with restructuring.”
According to the governor, if jobs are provided and other sectors of the economy, especially the education sector is developed, “this madness”, referring to restructuring, “will stop.”
“People are talking about artificial intelligence, other nations are talking about nanotechnology or robotics engineering but unfortunately, the topical issue in Nigeria is restructuring.
While describing former President Jonathan as an honest man, Shetima blamed the people he surrounded himself with for the failure of his government.
He said, “Comparing (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo and the people he worked with and those Jonathan worked with, you will understand why.
“If you look at Obasanjo, hate him or love him, you have to respect Obasanjo for not only believing in the Nigerian project but for surrounding himself with men of quality.
“If you mention Obasanjo, the names that readily come to mind are those of Oby Ezekwesili, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Nasiru el-Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Bukola Saraki and other quality Nigerians who have the capacity to add value to the system”.
“But when you think of President Jonathan, with all due respect, he surrounded himself with an assorted crop of religious bigots, tribal kindred and all sorts of reactionary elements. Ateke Tom, Government Tompolo, Late Oronto Douglas, Asari Dokubo, Edwin Clark, Ayo Oritsejafor and others.”