Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national deputy chairman, Chief Olabode George on Thursday, August 8, urged President Bola Tinubu to restructure the country to foster true federalism.
He advocated for the establishment of state police, arguing that if the officers managing the recent protest were from the local area, they would have been able to identify the troublemakers, separate them from legitimate protesters, and prevent looting and violence.
The former military governor of Ondo State also urged Tinubu to expedite economic revitalization efforts to relieve Nigerians from the current hardships.
Reflecting on the state of the nation during a press briefing in Lagos, George criticized the 1999 Constitution as deeply flawed and called on the president to prioritize its review. He pointed to the 2014 National Conference, which produced a report that could serve as a blueprint for constitutional amendment.
George said: “There is a concluded report of the National Conference from former President Goodluck Jonathan sent to former President Muhammadu Buhari. President Tinubu should retrieve it.
“What is the business of the president with councils in Lagos and Sokoto? States in a federation are not the same. In New York, the Mayor controls the airport. Tinubu should be bold enough to restructure and refix the country.
Stressing the need for state police, he added: “DPO knows the bad boys in the neighbourhood. He understands the language of the people. Every state police is local. It makes intelligence gathering easier.”
The party chieftain emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral system, urging the electoral commission to ensure better-managed elections in the future, starting with the upcoming Edo and Ondo polls.
George attributed the country’s economic stagnation to the past misconduct of bank operators, who engaged in round-tripping and exchange rate manipulation, insisting they should face consequences.
He called on Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso, the son of a renowned accountant, to bring the same level of efficiency his father was known for to the financial sector.
George also urged the president to address the electricity crisis to benefit manufacturing, the informal sector, and overall productivity.
He said: “Nigeria had 18 gas turbines when Obasanjo was in power. Millions of naira are spent on electricity. How can the informal sector survive?
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?