Restructuring: I’m Waiting For National Assembly Before I Can Act - Buhari

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to calls for restructuring of the country.

 

According to him, he is waiting for the outcome of the National Assembly’s consultations on the restructuring of Nigeria before he acts.

 

The President gave the hint when he received the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

 

The National Executive of the body is led by Professor Benjamin Okaba. The meeting was attended by Ijaw elders, including monarchs.

 

Buhari commended INC’s recent affirmation of belief in one Nigeria and declaration of support for the fight against insecurity.

 

The President implored the leadership of the association to use its influence to keep Nigeria a united, indivisible entity.

 

He addressed restructuring, creation of states, allocation of operational licenses for marginal fields to Ijaw people, inauguration of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), among others.

 

On restructuring, Buhari pointed out that the National Assembly is working on the calls and has concluded regional consultations.

‘‘As soon as they finalise the process, necessary action would not be delayed on my part,’’ he assured.

 

On the creation of two additional states and more local government areas for the Ijaw people, the President said it is a legislative matter.

 

On NDDC, the Nigerian leader pledged that the board would be inaugurated as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted.

 

On the Hydrocarbon Remediation Project, Buhari confirmed he had directed the Ministry of Environment to ensure that the remediation efforts in Ogoni are implemented.