Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to heed the clamour for fiscal federalism and restructuring, to douse brewing tension in the country.
Governor Wike, said stakeholders in the South-South and other geopolitical zones that met with the delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, have expressed their grievances, which must be genuinely addressed.
A statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Kevin Ebiri, said the governor made the assertion when he featured as a guest on Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily on Thursday.
Governor Wike, noted that stakeholders in the South-South on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, ventilated their expectations, and what was now required is political leadership and will by the President to implement the demands.
“President Buhari, has an opportunity today, that Nigerians are saying these are the things we want; these are the things we think can move Nigeria forward. And you have to show leadership by saying, I have listened to you and these are things we can implement. You may not necessarily implement everything that the people are talking about or people may want. But let people say that under President Buhari, he has been able to implement one, two, three and four demands by the people.
“But, if he does not take this opportunity now, and does not implement some of these request, I don’t think it will be very good for Nigeria and for his legacy. I don’t think that will mean well.”
The governor, stated that despite reservation in some quarters about the readiness of the federal government to address issues raised, he implored President Buhari to avail himself this rare opportunity to address nagging issues militating against the stability of the country.
“If the president does not do, given the opportunity he has now, then, he will put Nigeria on fire.”