Human Rights lawyer, Mr Femi
Falana (SAN) has said restructuring of the Nigerian economy is key to finding
solution to the myriads of problems facing the nation.
Falana, who said the ongoing
debate about restructuring in the country had centred on devolution of powers
without responsibilities and as well quest to satisfy ethnic groups, said the
bottomline of restructuring which the agitators had failed to address is
economy.
The legal luminary, who spoke on
the theme: “The Nation Nigeria: Restructuring, Secession or Status Quo – the
Way Forward” at the Obafemi Adewale Colloquium and Law Dinner organised by the
Young Lawyers Forum of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ado Ekiti Branch to mark
Adewale’s 60th birthday, said the type of restructuring that Nigeria needs must
be one that would focus on the economy.
He charged lawyers to fight for
the redemption of the country, saying: “For us as lawyers, we must save our
society. If we are going to join the struggle for restructuring, we should not
join as politicians seeking transfer of power to the regions. Let it be for
reduction of power at the centre, transfer of power to the states.
“Let us seek reduction of cost of
governance. Let us seek right to education. Let us seek right to equitable
distribution of wealth. Let us seek the need to fight the lopsided appointments
in the country. Let us talk about economic restructuring.
“Majority of our people are poor
and they are battling with survival. If you want more powers from Abuja, it is
not relevant to them. Restructuring that has to do with job-creation for the
youths. The resources of this country are enormous to accommodate the demands
of the youths, women have to be factored into restructuring, the unemployed
people, the masses, the peasant farmers, the workers. Nobody is talking about
them.
“The economy of this country must
be restructured. Restructuring is not about satisfying ethnic groups, it is
about addressing the national question. When we address the national question,
we are trying to find out who gets what and how. We have almost the worst
income disparity in the world where a few people are dangerously rich while a
vast majority are wallowing in poverty. It cannot continue,” Falana said.
He advised that the country’s
marginal oil fields should be shared with a view to redistribute wealth instead
of being sold.
“Why are we selling the oil
fields to individuals when the states are suffering? Why don’t we sell or lease
them to the states so that they can make money to run the business of
governance?, he queried.
Falana, who said the fight
against corruption was only at the surface level, charged the Federal
Government to tackle cases of corruption through necessary framework and
address basic necessities cum social security that will discourage graft.
According to him, countries that
have significantly reduced corruption have in place systems including effective
healthcare delivery system, health insurance, mortgage and effective public
transportation.
“When you address basic
necessities of life, you don’t have to preach against corruption. Those who
engage in corruption will be seen as mad when basic needs are met”.
In his remark, Adewale who
appreciated the young lawyers for the honour, advised them to be of good
conduct, remain focused and follow in the footsteps of great lawyers who had
made landmarks in the profession.
He urged them to continue to
strive for the betterment of the society and restoration of dignity to
humanity.
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