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From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Political scientists under the auspices of Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) South East Zone, have called for cessation to the spate of insecurity in the region.
This is as Prof. Obasi Igwe has urged for restructuring of Nigeria into 12 regions as a way of curbing insecurity ravaging the country.
Igwe made the called during a colloquium by the association in Enugu, in honour of the late Prof. Aja Akpuru Aja, with the theme: “Strategic solutions to security challenges in Nigeria.”
Aja, a contemporary strategic icon from Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was a member of NPSA. He died on March 16.
Igwe said the restructuring would be such that uni-ethnic-nationality, side by side with multi-ethnic nationality regions agree to the modalities or constitution governing their relationships.
According to him, the large ethnic nationalities like Igbo and Yoruba should be independent regions while there will be other three regions each in the South and Middle Belt as well as Hausa-Fulani and Kanuri regions.
He said the number in each category would be determined by competitive regional considerations, explaining that no economic policy or blueprint can work without the correct political foundation through restructuring.
He added that each region should be made to own and manage its resources, competing to develop herself within one Nigeria by ensuring true federalism.
“When this is done, terrorist, separatist, youth restiveness, poverty, unemployment and acrimonies of today will be considerably abated.
“A structured new Nigeria must be modern democratic secular state of equal laws and equal application based on universal, civilized common law principles covering everybody as well as having own regional security,” he said
Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Alloysius-Michaels Okolie, who chaired the occasion, described Aja as one of the best teachers, mentors and a great strategist.
Represented by the Director, Institute for Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (ESUT), Prof. Felix Asogwa, he said that Aja was friendly, courageous and lived a life of imparting in others.
Chairman, NPSA, South-East, Prof. Chukwuemeka Nwanegbo, said the association honoured Aja for his immense contribution to the society.
Nwanegbo explained that the association chose security as topic because of the area Aja worked on which had become fundamental issues recently in the country especially in the southeast
The don noted that security problem was a major issue that actually defied all effort for solution, adding that the association was seeking strategic solution to it through discussions at the event.
