A chieftain of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and ex-Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Imo State, Professor Francis Dike
(SAN), has advised stakeholders of South East extraction to intensify agitation and clamour for the restructuring of the nation as against their persistent demand for the creation of more states in the zone.
Dike, a professor of law and chairman of Orlu Elders Council, who spoke to our correspondent at his private residence in Owerri, argued that restructuring is a better package for the Igbo as against creation of more states because according to him, restructuring if implemented would make the South East the Dubai of Africa.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who attributed the legion of woes ravaging the Igbo nation to the three-year civil war challenged the
Ohanaeze Ndigbo to be much more vocal and vociferous in advancing the interest of the Igbo, stating that the then Igbo Union was able to achieve much because of its visionary approach to issues.
“It is difficult to wipe out a race on earth and if you go to such countries as Rwanda and Bangladesh, you will understand what I am saying that you cannot dominate a particular race for ever,” he said.
He blamed the British authorities for blocking the popular Igbo demand to restructure the nation, saying “although our constitution says
united, when you unite, it does not necessarily imply that you are united”.
On the forth-coming general election, the UPP chieftain enjoined both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acting
Inspector General of Police, Adamu Abubakar to demonstrate unquestionable patriotism, fairness and justice in the discharge of their duties.
He however, blamed the national Chairman of INEC professor Mahmood Yakubu for the public outcry that trailed the appointment of Amina Zakari to head a sensitive position in the electoral body.
“It is irresponsible for the INEC Chairman to have appointed her into that position because he ought to have considered the obvious implication.
The late President Shehu Shagari appointed Ovie Whiskey, IBB appointed Humphrey Nwosu, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed
Attahiru Jega- a northerner and therefore, let us consider these things.
“There are certain things that fly in the face but which are more apparent than real. Let them do what is right because nature has endowed us with a sense
of right and wrong and if you do not have this, you are a fool,” he said.
SABY ELEMBA, OWERRI
