The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday in Abuja listed several woes which it said needed urgent attention of the Federal Government.
But it also commended the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for actions it said he had taken, especially on the agitation for the Igbo succession by some pro-Biafran groups.
Punch reports that Makarfi, who was flanked by other members of his committee, spoke at a press conference, which was held at the faction’s temporary national secretariat in Abuja.
Among the woes, which he listed and said needed urgent attention were the security challenge in the North-East, herdsmen and farmers’ clashes, kidnappings and agitation by some sectional groups.
Makarfi described the recent altercation between some groups in the country which had degenerated into the issuance of an ultimatum to the Igbo to leave the North , as an ill wind which he said would blow no one any good.
He pointed out that Nigeria, for example, “needs institutions like the armed forces and security agencies to operate on the premise of loyalty to the nation rather than loyalty to the President, governor or whatever nomenclature the chief executive is given.”
He maintained that this should not look like a novel idea because “we see it happening everyday around the world in countries that have built strong institutions that are the bastions of their democratic structures.”
Makarfi pointed out that now that democracy had taken root in the country for close to two decades, a critical look at areas that needed improvement was imperative.
The former governor of Kaduna State added that it was not out of place for any or all segments of the country to come up with ideas that they believe would strengthen federalism.
He said, “It is therefore not out of place for any or all segments to come up with ideas that they believe will strengthen the structures of our federalism with a view to restructuring it in such a way that it serves all of us and not just some of us.
“Such exercise should take a very good and critical look at all the structures and institutions. as well as how they operate with a view to giving them a new sense of direction in tune with current best practices, though, as with all societies, taking due consideration to our peculiarities as a people.”
He stated that Osinbajo deserved commendation for the steps he had so far taken to douse the tension occasioned by the altercation between groups in the country.
He, however, called on government to ensure that its programmes, policies and steps “are tailored in such a way and manner that no section of this country is given the impression that it doesn’t count.”
Makarfi also prayed for quick recovery for ailing President President Muhammadu Buhari.
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