The Senator representing Abia Central, Theodore Orji, has said that only restructuring of Nigeria would tackle the myriad of socio-economic challenges bedeviling the nation.
Senator Orji spoke in an interview at the weekend in Abuja ahead of his 70th birthday anniversary slated for Monday, November 9, 2020.
He noted that purposeful leadership, dialogue with agitators and equal treatment of all sections of the country will go a long way in dousing political tensions and as well enhance national integration.
“The advice is already on the table and that is restructuring. If there are dissident voices, call them and discuss with them and find out how you can bring them in and that is what will solve the problems we are facing now. Restructuring is what everybody is shouting,” Orji said.
On the recurrent agitations for resource control by the Niger Delta region, the Abia-born federal lawmaker insisted that it was necessary to address all teething issues once and for all, in order to engender fairness and justice for all Nigerians.
“The resources are coming from somewhere. You are producing and you are not getting enough, will you keep quiet? You will be shouting every day. You see the people of Niger Delta shouting everyday. We should restructure with resource control, with all those areas, we know the areas that are sensitive. Call the dissidents to a conference and discuss with them,” he added.
On whether the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) should be included in the dialogue with dissidents, the former governor answered in the affirmative, saying that was only the way to a lasting peace.
“Yes, of course! Is there anything bad in discussing with IPOB? If you don’t talk with them, they will continue to give you trouble. You discuss with them,” Orji said.
