Governor Seriake Dickson

Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa on Thursday backed calls for restructuring in the country.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, he spoke at the Distinguished Guest Lecture of the Faculty Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, which had as theme: “ Restructuring and the Search for a productive Nigeria.’’

” If we were to conduct a referendum, majority of Nigerians will vote for the unity of Nigeria because the unity of Nigeria is desirable in the best interest of all,’’ he said.

The Bayelsa governor, however, admonished Nigerian leaders to return to true federalism which was agreed on by the founding fathers of the country.

“For this nation to be positively restructured, the issue of constitutional amendment should be addressed.

” Political leaders are more militant than the military and more intolerant of adverse opinions or criticisms.

“ Nigeria’s unity cannot be sustained merely by constitutional provisions that we know are ineffective,’’ he said.

Earlier, Dickson had visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, where he lauded him for upholding the tradition and culture of the Yoruba.

In his remarks, Ogunwusi sued for unity across the country, saying he was optimistic of a day party leaders would shun politics of bitterness.

He also warned youths across the country against acts of violence.