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You Can Do Any Kind Of Restructuring But Don’t Touch Unity Of Nigeria, Niger State Gov Warns

Abubakar Sani Niger Governor
Abubakar Sani Niger Governor

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has made it clear that Nigeria cannot be restructured in the best way to serve as rapid development, but insisted that its unity should not be part of such restructuring.
In a statement today, Friday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Baba Ndace, the governor said that he supports the ongoing debates on restructuring that is geared towards a more peaceful, viable, prosperous and united Nigeria.
The statement, quoting
Governor Sani as having made the points at the 5th
Anniversary Celebration of News Express Media, an Online Media Platform in Lagos, on a topic: “National Unity and Demand for restructuring: A Governor’s Perspective.”
The Governor was quoted as saying that that the debates on restructuring should not lose sight of the one united, indivisible country.
Governor Sani said: “the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 took place in Niger state. “Indeed, the name Nigeria was coined from “Niger Area” by Mary Shaw. Niger state is, therefore, a precursor to modern Nigeria.
“We may have challenges as a nation, but we are certainly better off as one united, strong, virile, just and prosperous nation. Therefore, in
interrogation  the structure of Nigeria, we must put Nigeria first”
Governor Sani made it clear that that there can be no perfect federalism or democracy, advising all stakeholders to discuss burning issues in the atmosphere of tolerance, respect for human dignity with the aim of `deepening democracy and building a more united country that carters for all citizens.
“I urge all advocates of restructuring to do so in atmosphere of tolerance, respect for human dignity, understanding, and abiding faith in Nigeria.Perhaps, it is not just what we discuss, but how we discuss it.”
Governor Sani supported President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on discourse on national issues, even as he advised that various proponents of restructuring should canvass their positions with decorum.
He described the discourse as the hallmark of democracy which affords people the right to have different views on any issue.
“I align with President Muhammadu Buhari on the need for all to be mindful of crossing the RED LINE on national discourse.
“Our comments should be measured; our concern should be national unity; our commitment should be Nigeria; our focus should be deepening democracy and building a progressive country for future generation.”
Governor Sani also agreed with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu who said that dismembering Nigeria would not solve anybody’s problem.
“I agree with Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu that breaking Nigeria into small insignificant units would not solve our challenges. Rather, it will diminish our regional, continental and global profile. Nigeria is envy of all nations based on its size and huge potentials.”

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