Let us start with definitions. So, quoting from IDnow online: A Politically Exposed Person (PEP) is someone who, through their position or influence, is more susceptible to being involved in bribery, money laundering or corruption. This is usually someone who has been entrusted with a prominent public function in a government or international organization. Close business associates and family members are also considered PEPs.
Violence is built into elections in Nigeria. The wealthy and middle class know it. Church leaders know it. The heads of NGOs and CSOs know it. The international community’s diplomats and foreign elections observers know it. There is just a conspiracy never to acknowledge this fact. In Nigeria, elections are always a “Do AND Die” exercise.
To the Nigerian populace, the word “Restructuring” signifies “change”. It generally means resource control by the indigenous owners, and more power to the states, thus, a level of autonomy somewhat comparable to what obtained when Nigeria was a Federation in name and in fact. Tinubu, the presidential candidate of APC is visibly ailing, and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, has already clearly said that restructuring is ruled out should he come to power.
The Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS) has called on the governors of the Alliance Territories to emulate Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and create their own security outfits. The alliance said this should be done before Fulani invaders fill the largely ungoverned spaces available due to the alleged complicity of the Federal Government across the Alliance Territories. It lamented that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows such anomalies in the country.
Please NOTE: The process that was followed prior to Independence, is the same to be followed now; now that the Union ended in 1966 so ethnic nationalities are back to square one, and need to make a fresh start.