Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has said that with genuine dialogue and intent, restructuring can serve as a powerful tool for uniting Nigerians and strengthening the federation.
Akume made the remarks in Abuja yesterday at the public presentation of a book titled Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward, authored by former Rivers State governor, Celestine Omehia. He was represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant, Prof. Babatunde Benard.
“As we engage with restructuring, we must do so with a spirit of patriotism, dialogue, and peace. Our strength as a nation lies not in uniformity but in unity in harnessing our diversity for collective progress. Restructuring must therefore be pursued as a unifying force, not a divisive weapon,” Akume said.
He stressed that nation-building is a continuous journey and that Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned a united, peaceful, and prosperous federation where diversity would be a source of strength. He added that restructuring should not be seen as a political demand but as “a strategic imperative for sustainable development and enduring unity.”
Quoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akume said restructuring is not about breaking up Nigeria but about strengthening the federation by devolving responsibilities, empowering subnational governments, and creating a governance structure that brings power closer to the people.
He noted that many reforms under the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market, tax reforms, and ongoing conversations on state police, reflect deliberate moves toward a more balanced and responsive federation.
“These are not isolated policy choices they reflect a deliberate move toward a more balanced, efficient, and responsive federation,” he said.
Commending Omehia for authoring the book, Akume described it as “a valuable contribution to ongoing national dialogue” that would enrich policy thinking, legislative reforms, and public understanding of restructuring.
In his address, Omehia said he pursued objectivity without partisan bias in writing the book, urging political leaders, legal practitioners, the media, and civil society to embrace dialogue over sentiments in pursuing restructuring. He explained that his work offers a clear and practical pathway, covering constitutional amendments, the justice system, economic order, and other critical issues that can enhance sustainable development.
Reviewer of the 257-page book, Prof. Yemi George (SAN), commended Omehia for using his legal training and political experience to provide an objective perspective on restructuring, despite the sentiments the term often evokes.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former Transport Minister Chibuike Amaechi, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Opara, former PDP Chairman Uche Secondus, PDP stalwart Ben Obi, ADC chieftain Adamu Waziri, former NOA DG Mike Omeri, senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.
