Restructuring, political gimmicks and elite manipulation in Nigeria

Nigerian elites are skilful in introducing different terminologies at different political periods. Restructuring represents one such term that has become increasingly popular in the political space. Principally, the term is constructed to express the idea of a reconfiguration of the Nigerian state to allow for more representation and socio-political inclusion. While there are genuine concerns for restructuring Nigeria, it has increasingly become an instrument used by the political elite to pursue their individual political agendas, which are largely driven by the struggle for power and access to national wealth. The elite have adeptly used restructuring slogans to achieve ethno-regional mobilisation, power rotation, appointments, regime legitimation, revenue redistribution, and other political and material interests. It is against this backdrop that this chapter argues that the contemporary drive towards restructuring is an elite construction, bereft of the masses' interests, aimed at advancing political agendas and not necessarily a means to address the challenges that confront Nigeria. Furthermore, restructuring has become an excuse for incompetence and mis-governance by the governing elite.