Restructuring is too late, self-determination can't be denied - Femi Fani-Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, FFK, has told ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), and Theophilus Danjuma to forget about restructuring in Nigeria.

FFK who reacted to the call from the leaders stated that it is coming too late because nothing can stop the idea of self-determination.

The PDP chieftain also wondered why the trio who rejected restructuring at the Aburi Accord are now clamouring for the same thing.

MyNigeria.com reported last week that Gowon at an event organized by the Igbo Leadership Development Foundation pointed out that the Igbos have been marginalized in Nigeria.

Gowon said, “I believe that a lot of injustice has been done to the Igbos and a constitutional debate on restructuring must address all imbalances and restore hope and confidence".

Obasanjo who spoke at the 1st memorial lecturer held for late OPC founder, Frederick Fasehun, complained about the state of the nation.

He said, “We estimated that Federal Government would suppress the Biafran rebellion within three months. To make allowances for the unforeseen, we allowed six months. But it took us thirty months, five times what we allowed for, and what is more, we nearly lost the war. And as a Field Commander at the end of the war, I can attest that we fought with all Nigerian tribes including Igbos against Biafra.

“And if after over ten years of fighting Boko Haram, the terrorist group is still waxing strong, let nobody out of self-delusion think that a war of self-determination by one or more geopolitical zones of Nigeria with the present disenchantment would be easily suppressed by the rest of what may remain of the country. Some will fight to the last drop of the blood of their group rather than suffer the indignity of slavery, oppression, domination and atrocious injustice in the land of their birth and the only one that they can call their country.

“If Boko Haram can get outside support, any geo-political zone opting for self-determination may equally get external support. War may not necessarily go as planned, estimated and predicted. Everything must, therefore, be put in place to avoid a war, the end of which no one can precisely predict. There is no assurance that Nigeria can survive a second civil war. But rather, we should seek a political solution and avoid a destructive civil war.”

The clamour by the retired army generals was mocked by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Throwing his weight behind Nnamdi Kanu's stand, Femi Fani-Kayode tweeted:

“Those that opposed restructuring at Aburi in 1967 and waged war against Biafra, namely Gowon, OBJ and TY Danjuma are now calling for restructuring.

“The truth is that restructuring is too little, too late. The new kid on the block is known as self-determination and he cannot be denied.”