The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi SAN, says restructuring Nigeria by a process contained in a blueprint will achieve better results in the desire to rejig the present Federal Structure.
Arakunrin Akeredolu spoke at the presentation and launching of a book, "My Dialogue With Nigeria", written by a former Chief of Defence Staff and pro-democracy activist, General Alani Akinrinade, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said "structuring and decentralisation of Nigeria by mouth" without a carefully prepared blueprint containing the issues to be addressed would be tantamount to exercise in futility.
The book, a collection of interviews and speeches spanning more than 25 years, represents the innermost thoughts and views of the author on true federalism for Nigeria without any form of disintegration but ensuring equitable distribution of the nation's resources for all citizens.
The Governor who described the author as non-partisan on any issue stated that he commands a lot of respect because he has always put himself in the position of an elder and has always acted the position of an elder.
" You are a fine gentleman and a courageous soldier. I share your views totally on the decentralisation of Nigeria. I believe that the time has come for proper restructuring.
But, "we can't continue to mouth restructuring without the blueprint". "We must get a document which will contain our demands on restructuring ready", Governor Akeredolu asserted.
Also speaking, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola called for a process of restructuring Nigeria that will start with decentralising the present unitary command of the Nigeria Police.
Chairman on the occasion, Chief Jonathan Obafemi Olopade, OFR, described the book as a veritable asset for maintaining national peace and achieving progress for Nigeria .
He described General Akinrinade as an iconic statesman, frank and caring-hearted who has paid his dues in national service and has worked for the preservation of Nigeria unity.
The Proprietor of Elizade University, who was the Chief Presenter of the book, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo said the author fought to hold Nigeria together when the country was in disarray.
Notable personalities at the ceremony include former military top-brass like the former Military Governor of old Western Nigeria, General David Jemibewon ; General Ike Nwachukwu,; General Aliu Gusau. Also past Governors of Osun Sate, Chief Bisi Akande and Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel with the representative of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the representatives of the governors of Ogun and Oyo states joined several other "generals in the media" like Mr Ray Epku and "generals in the academia like Professor Adebayo Williams , all contributed to make outstandingly colourful.
