Restructuring Pledge to Afenifere
In one of his first major meetings with influential socio-cultural groups, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his commitment to restructuring Nigeria but emphasized the need for a gradual and carefully managed approach to the complex process.
Tinubu made these remarks while hosting a delegation from Afenifere, the influential Yoruba socio-political organization, at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday. The group was led by its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.
According to Afenifere’s spokesman Jare Ajayi, Tinubu told the delegation that while he shares their belief in restructuring for better governance, firm economic foundations must first be laid to ensure its success.
“When the economy is properly on a firm footing, steps will be taken on restructuring so that it would be on a solid foundation,” Tinubu was quoted as saying. He added that rushing into restructuring could be disastrous, likening it to a toddler learning to walk who would fall if pushed too quickly.
The president drove home his point: “Because we don’t want to fall, and because we don’t want to fail, we want to do it and do it right.”
Tinubu’s cautious stance aligns with his previous comments that restructuring would be a step-by-step process under his tenure. However, it also reflects the immense economic challenges he inherits, with issues like fuel and cash shortages, double-digit inflation, and debt servicing costs constraining fiscal space.
For Afenifere and other pro-restructuring voices who have campaigned on the issue for decades, Tinubu’s words reassure that their core demand remains on his agenda. But they will also likely monitor closely whether the president’s “gradual” approach becomes a pretext for inaction.
The meeting allowed Tinubu to connect with a key Yoruba power broker. But it also highlighted the tightrope he must walk to reform a federal system that many groups believe has concentrated too much power and resources at the center.
As he works to revive Nigeria’s economy, Tinubu will face increasing pressure to unveil a clear restructuring roadmap and define what areas of governance he believes should be reconfigured between states and the federal government.
His ability to carefully sequence economic and political reforms, while keeping influential voices like Afenifere on board, will be an early test of his presidency. Managing restructuring demands is an immense challenge all of Tinubu’s predecessors have grappled with.
Reference
President Tinubu hosts Afenifere, restates commitment to restructuring Nigeria published in Daily post.