Restructuring would make the North move away from present poverty status – Utomi

Pat Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy, has stated that the Northerners are afraid to consent to the need to restructure Nigeria because they are uncertain of the consequences.

Utomi made this known while speaking at a virtual media parley ahead of the ‘Never Again’ conference to mark 51 years after the civil war, he said the north largely relies on the federal government for their share of revenue, and this has made them really unproductive.

He said “There is a real crisis in the north that the south does not understand. They are painters of people who hate each other very much; that is the truth of the matter. That is why they are scared of restructuring because they don’t know where it will lead them, and outside of Nigeria, they are formless; there is no north.”

Utomi, advised the northerners to dismiss such fears, saying restructuring will help them “become productive and move away from the poverty status”.

The Professor also announced the second edition of the ‘Never Again’ conference, stating that former president Olusegun Obasanjo is expected as the Special Guest of Honour, while Rev Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic diocese, would be delivering the keynote address.

He further stated that the conference will be chaired by Ayo Adebanjo, and Kalu Idika Kalu, a former finance minister.

He said “It is recalled that Nigeria fought a bitter and internecine 30-month civil war that left in its wake a sharply divided nation with mutual suspicion, hatred and resentment across racial and regional lines. An estimated one million victims were killed immediately before and during the war.”

“The conference will x-ray the issues that led to the civil war and the need for patriots to work together to achieve national cohesion, especially in light of several centrifugal tendencies within the polity.”