Only National Assembly Can Handle Issue Of Restructuring — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that only the national assembly can take care of the issue of restructuring or true federalism.

The President who said this on Friday June 11 while receiving members of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) led by Co-Chairmen, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Supo Ayokunle at the State House, Abuja, stated that the issue of restructuring remain a constitutional matter.

He said; “On the contentious issue of restructuring or true federalism or devolution of powers, like you all know, this is a constitutional matter with which only the National Assembly can deal.

“I remain an unapologetic believer in devolving power to the people and that is why I signed the Executive Order granting autonomy to State Legislature and Judiciary.

“Unfortunately, this was met with some resistance at the state level and led to a more than two months strike action that has cost the country a lot of pain.

“Luckily, the National Assembly has nearly completed the constitutional review process, which I hope would address some of the burning issues agitating the minds of our people.’’

The President also disclosed that they have arrested some of the financiers of criminal elements who also supply them with arms. He said their prosecution has been stalled by the just called off strike by judicial workers.

Buhari said; “Fortunately, this strike has been called off and prosecution of some of these people would soon commence, while our security agencies expand their network in closing in on the others.

“We remain committed to quickly pushing this dark side of our history behind us and we are currently making sure that funding would not hamper our efforts.

“Besides the imperative to abide by democratic processes is the important aspect of support of the citizenry to the security agencies by providing relevant and timely information.

“I must confess that I am more pained than anyone can imagine with the on-going security challenges because, like you noted during your meeting, they have increased the hunger, pain and anger in the land.”

He also disclosed that some funds were approved for security agencies at the last Federal Executive Council meeting. He said the money will be put to judicious use.

Buhari added; “As I mentioned yesterday, in Lagos, we would not relent in our efforts at clearing these criminals from all parts of our land including the forests.”