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Nigeria Risks Implosion Without Restructuring - Dickson

Mr. Dickson, who described those calling for restructuring of the country as the “true patriots of Nigeria,” regretted that a number of leaders misconstrued the call for restructuring as a call for secession.

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has expressed support for restructuring Nigeria, saying that a failure to restructure could cause Nigeria to "implode."

Mr. Dickson stated this on Sunday shortly after a thanksgiving service to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and the 57th anniversary of Nigerian independence at the King of Glory Chapel at the Government House.

He insisted that the current structure of the country is not sustainable.

Mr. Dickson, who described those calling for restructuring of the country as the “true patriots of Nigeria,” regretted that a number of leaders misconstrued the call for restructuring as a call for secession.

“My view is that there is an urgent national imperative for us to review the country. Maybe some people have problems with the word ‘restructuring,’ but we have to re-examine our nation’s foundation and see how we can make necessary adjustments that will promote a more stable and prosperous Nigeria,” Mr. Dickson said.

“The structure of the country as it is is not sustainable. Very often, a number of our leaders misconstrue the call for restructuring to mean secession. No, those calling for restructuring are the patriots of Nigeria because we want to lay a foundation for a Nigeria that will last for the next 50, 100 and 200 years and above to come.

“Those people forget that in the next 10, 20 years, the country will be one of the most populous nations on the face of the earth. You can't have that kind of high density human population arguing every day about the injustices and imbalances, there will be an implosion.

“So, it is best for us now to have a consensus. If there is any problem at all, it is how do we go about it, not whether we should attempt a restructuring review or not.

“That, to me, is taken for granted and I am happy President Muhammadu Buhari said he was not opposed to restructuring,” Mr. Dickson said.

The governor said the Ijaws and the Niger Delta should support the call for restructuring.

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