The Ugbarajo Iwere Leaders Foundation in Delta State has joined other Nigerians in advocating for the country’s restructuring to address the plethora of challenges bedevilling the nation.
The Itsekiri socio-cultural ethnic group made the call in a communique on Tuesday at the ongoing 3rd Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111.
The communique was issued at the end of a lecture/symposium titled “The Challenges of Minority Ethnic Groups within the Nigerian State” as part of the activities lined up for the weeklong 3rd coronation anniversary of the revered monarch.
Prof. Benson Osadolor, a former acting vice chancellor Ambrose Alli University in Edo State delivered the lecture and spoke extensively on fiscal federalism.
At the end of the presentation, a communique was jointly endorsed by Chief Robinson Ariyo, the Egogo (Mouthpiece) of Warri Kingdom and a former lawmaker representing Warri Federal Constituency, Mr Dan Reyenieju.
The group noted that the over-centralisation of the federal system was a major threat to the minority ethnic populations in the country and called for urgent restructuring.
It also called on the government at all levels to tackle headlong the factors fueling violence in the various parts of the country by applying best practices.
“Due to the challenges that come with critical issues of controlling power and resources, marginalisation, neglect, exclusion, social injustice and human rights deprivation.
“The consultation of state intervention can be addressed through restructuring the Nigerian State. The over-centralisation of the federal system is a major threat to minority ethnic populations.
“Therefore, restructuring and true federalism will deepen and strengthen the institutions for a governance that will enhance our efforts and commitment to nation building,” it said.
The foundation also expressed concern about the nation’s Constitution, noting that it does not recognise the rights of ethnic minorities but the fundamental rights of every individual.
“What matters to ethnic minorities is the enforcement of the rights to development and socio-economic rights through fiscal federalism and inter-governmental relationships.
“Minority populations have been disadvantaged with the Federal Character principles of fairness and equity in the distribution of public posts and socio-economic infrastructure among the various federating units of Nigeria,” the communique said.
The group further averred that the nation’s quota system had been abused and denied the brightest and most brilliant minds of minority ethnic groups the opportunities for placement in the civil service, among others.
Earlier, Prof. Osadolor, who was the lead presenter, noted that the challenges faced by ethnic minorities in the South South and North Central of Nigeria were complex and difficult and had profound consequences.
He also observed that over the years, the North Central had witnessed varying degrees and dimensions of ethnic dominant crisis often resulting in widespread violence, ethnic cleansing and of recent, genocide against minorities in the zone.
“Also, over the years, the South-South was a hotbed of conflicts and violence with varying interpretations of the challenge.
“As oil and community disorders, or the Niger Delta crisis or simply the minority agitations or in the context of the national question,” he said.
The speaker, however, submitted that the critical factor of restructuring and true federalism held the key to resolving the myriads of socio-political and socio-economic problems tearing Nigeria apart.
The ceremony, which also witnessed the paying of homage
Entertainment by the Itsekiri traditional dance troupe had hundreds of Itsekiri sons and daughters in attendance at the Palace auditorium.
The ceremony continues on Wednesday with homage paid at the Palace auditorium (Aghofen) in the state’s Warri South local government area.
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