Makarfi, who threw his weight behind the call for restructuring of Nigeria’s political equation, also asked the Federal Government to find solutions to the increasing rate of kidnapping, farmers/herders’ clashes, cattle rustling, agitations and counter-agitations and the humanitarian crisis in the North East, among others.
Addressing a world press conference yesterday in Abuja, Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, said the recent altercation between Biafran agitators and some youths from the North was an ill wind that blew nobody any good.
He explained that Nigeria belonged to all, adding that hate speeches between the northern and south-eastern elite or groups should be avoided in order for the nation to move forward.
He commended Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for the steps he took so far and called on state and local government areas to adopt programmes, policies and steps that would give a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.
“It is, therefore, not out of place for any or all segment(s) to come up with ideas that they believe will strengthen our federalism 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 said.
Makarfi further said the PDP believed that people should be allowed to express their grievances through agitations, saying free speech was a vital ingredient that sustained democracy and the rule of law.
“This was why while in power, the party never shied away from providing platforms for expression and dissipation of feelings, however strong, with a view to finding common grounds among our people.
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