Context of Tinubu's Restructuring Plans
Since taking office, Tinubu has faced pressure to address various challenges in Nigeria, including economic reforms, insecurity, and national restructuring. National restructuring in Nigeria typically refers to the redistribution of powers and resources between the federal government and the states, often seen as a solution to the country's long-standing ethnic and regional tensions.
Criticisms and Concerns
1. Economic Prioritization Over Restructuring: Some critics argue that Tinubu's focus has been more on economic reforms, such as removing fuel subsidies and introducing various financial policies, rather than addressing the deeper, more structural issues that a restructuring might resolve.
2. Security Over Restructuring: Given Nigeria's security challenges, especially in the northern regions, some feel that Tinubu's priority should be on restructuring to address the root causes of insecurity. By devolving more power to local governments, the argument is that they would be better equipped to handle their unique security challenges.
3. Political Resistance: Restructuring has been a contentious topic in Nigerian politics, with significant opposition from certain regions and political elites who fear losing power or resources. Tinubu, who is from the southwest, might be perceived as avoiding this issue to maintain political stability or due to pressure from his party or influential figures.
4. Public Expectation: Many Nigerians expected Tinubu to push for restructuring early in his administration, considering it was a significant part of the campaign rhetoric across various platforms. Delays or perceived neglect might lead to disappointment and accusations of misplaced priorities.
5. Regional Disparities: There's also the perspective that Tinubu's policies may be favoring certain regions or groups, which could further exacerbate the need for restructuring to ensure more equitable governance.
Conclusion
If Tinubu is perceived as getting his priorities wrong, it could stem from a belief that he is not addressing the foundational issues that restructuring aims to solve. Instead, focusing on short-term economic fixes or other issues might be seen as sidestepping a critical national debate that could impact Nigeria's future stability and unity.