TRG proposes ‘National Rebirth Commission’, says only way to address long standing grievances

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The growing calls for the restructuring of Nigeria, which is said to have been met
with increasing tensions with some voices even advocating for secession, are more of an effort to ensure national unity than thought.

The Rebirth Group (TRG), which is an arm of New Nation Enlightenment Foundation, made this clarification in a statement blissed in Ibadan and sent to The DEFENDER on Saturday.

According to the statement signed by its Director of Public Relations, Engr Ajibola Abiola, the Group said, “This has understandably caused anxiety and concern across our beloved nation. As
patriotic Nigerians, we must remember that our strength lies in our unity, diversity,
and commitment to building a prosperous future for all.”

It said, however, that, “The ongoing debates, while crucial, must be handled with wisdom, patience, and
collective responsibility. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multicultural society, and our future depends on ensuring that every group feels heard, respected, and included
in the national dialogue.

“Secession, as some have suggested, is not the answer to our challenges. It threatens to tear apart the very fabric that holds us together and could lead to more harm than good.

“The Senate committee’s recent meeting where the issue of Nigeria’s restructuring
and regional governance structure was debated has become a development of
profound concern to patriotic citizens as it was said to have again unfortunately
accentuated the North and South dichotomy.”

While acknowledging the diverse
perspectives in such national dialogues, The Reburth Group expressed disappointed in what it described as the
disheartening stance of a Southern senator who was reported to have denounce
the call for regional structure – a stance that, according to it, is considered as an egregious breach of trust by the broader Southern region.

“We call on all patriotic Nigerians,
especially our representatives at the National Assembly, to reflect on the future
we want for this great nation, reconsider their position and align with the will of
the generality of the people they were elected to serve.

“We also note President Tinubu’s anniversary speech and his proposal to convene a youth conference. There is a notable concern about the exclusion of a broader range of voices.

“While youth engagement is crucial for the future of Nigeria, a more inclusive approach that brings together representatives of not only the youth but also women, traditional and religious leaders, trade associations and
representatives of indigenous ethnic nationalities and stakeholders, is imperative at this time.

“This will allow for a deeper, more comprehensive discussion of
governance structures and reevaluation of the conplex relationships between the
regions and ethnic groups would better address Nigeria’s diverse challenges and
ensure that all stakeholders-especially those historically marginalized are heard,” it said.

TRG listed reasons it believes restructuring and regionalism matters saying:

“1. It is essential to reaffirm that restructuring, particularly the move toward a regional structure, is not merely a sectional demand but a necessity for the
peace, stability, and prosperity of our nation. Nigeria is a diverse and complex
Society, and attempts to continue with a quasi-unitary system will only further deepen the divisions, stifle development, and perpetuate the current cycle of
inefficiency and discord.

“2. The present bloated and distant federal structure has repeatedly failed to
address local issues, while a regional government systern will provide more
accountable and effective leadership at the grassroots level.

“3. Inclusivity and Fair Representation: A regional governance structure will
ensure that the diverse peoples of Nigeria have fair representation, with each
region empowered to address its unique needs, opportunities, and challenges.
The curret centralized system has proven inadequate in providing equitable
solutions to the concerns of our various regions.

“4. Restructuring into an autonomous regional federation will allow regions to
control their resources, fostering healthy competition and driving economic
growth. Each region can focus on its comparative advantages, creating
wealth and jobs, and reducing the excessive dependence on the federal
government. This wiil lead to greater cooperation among regions, promoting
peace and stability.”

On the path forward, it said, “Nigeria has once again arrived at a crucial juncture occasioned by obvious foundational problems, weak governance structures, ethno-teligious conflicts and inequitable power relations.

“The future of Nigeria lies in embracing its diversty and empowering regions to develop at their own pace Regional autonomy is the foundation upon which a peaceful peogresse, and prosperous Nigeria can be built. Egregious dissonant.

“We firmly believe that the way forward lies in our accepting responsibility to
convene a conference of indigenous ethnic nationalities to discuss a mutually
acceptable governance structure.

“Now is the time for a well-organized inclusive and transparent consensus building dialogue among all ethnic nationalities that can produce the blueprint for restructuring and foster inclusivity, equity, and sustainable development.
Nigeria’s greatness lies not in its division, but in its ability to overcome challenges
and emerge stronger as one.

“We, therefore, call for calm, restraint, and a renewed focus on dialogue.”

To this end, TRG put forward its proposal to include setting up of a National Rebirth Commission and a National Conference of indigenous Ethnic Nationalities.

Explaining the proposed National Rebirth Commission, it said, “At this juncture there is the urgent need to reexamine Nigeria’s governance structure and institutions.

“The current administration have the responsibility to Create, through the National Assembly, or if need be through an Executive Order, a National Rebirth Commission. The National Rebirth Commission is to midwife a
hybrid home grown democratic governance structures with elements of
parliamentarism.

“The new structure should be inclusive and promote symmetric federalism. The Rebirth Commission (NRC’S function should include Convening National Truth, Reconciliation and Unity.”

On proposed National Conference of indigenous Ethnic Nationalities and Referendum, it said, “We believe the time has come for Nigeria’s indigenous ethnic groups to come together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. This conference will serve as a platform for open discussions on the structure of governance, equitable resource distribution, and the protection of the rights and identities of all ethnic nationalities.

This is the only way to address long-standing grievances in a constructive manner. Commitment to Unity and Peace
We call on all citizens to resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and
actions that couid jeopardize our nations future.

“We urge every Nigerian, regardless of their background, to embrace dialogue as the most effective and peaceful means to resoive our differences.

“Together, we can achieve a new nation where all people have a sense of belonging and pride, where prosperity is shared and where peace reigns. A greater Nigeria is possible!” It concluded.