In recent years, there has been a growing call in Nigeria for a review of the federal system of government. This call has been spearheaded by a coalition of ethnic nationalities, which argue that the current structure of the government is not working for the benefit of all Nigerians. Currently, the country is comprised of a central government led by a president, 36 states with governors, and 774 local governments. However, the local governments were previously under the control of the state governments until the Supreme Court granted them autonomy.
These calls are often influenced by ethnic tensions and grievances, as different ethno-regional groups advocate for varying degrees of autonomy and representation. Some of these demands are rooted in historical inequalities and perceived injustices, while others are driven by political opportunism, with certain elites using the restructuring debate as a means to gain power and access to resources.
The calls have now been co-opted by political elites who use them as a tool for gaining power and influence by appealing to ethnic sentiments and mobilizing support. While constitutional reform may be needed, it is not the primary solution to Nigeria’s problems, which are more deeply rooted in issues such as corruption, lack of good governance, and inequality.
The real issue that plagues Nigeria is not its system of government, but rather its persistent lack of good governance. Unless the fundamental problem of bad governance is addressed, any changes to the system of government are unlikely to produce different results.
Increasingly, the calls for restructuring the federal system in Nigeria are being driven by growing security threats, such as the separatist movements in the southern region led by groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Yoruba Nation. Additionally, the violent activities of herdsmen in many parts of the country have also contributed to the demand for a reformed federal system.
It is safe to say these calls have been hijacked by political elites, particularly those from opposition parties, who use them for their own political gain, often amplifying them after losing elections.
Given this hijacking, it is best that calls for restructuring should be abandoned in favor of efforts to improve governance and address the root causes of the country’s problems.
Some of the demands for federal system reform, such as the creation of new states, may not be feasible or desirable. Nigeria’s current 36-state structure is already costly to maintain, given the country’s economic challenges, and adding more states would only increase administrative expenses.
Moreover, the creation of new states may lead to the emergence of new government elites who are more interested in exploiting resources than in governing effectively. Given these potential drawbacks, it may be more prudent to focus on improving governance and addressing existing inequalities within the current federal structure, rather than pursuing costly and potentially counterproductive reforms.
Some have advocated for a return to the three-region structure that existed in the early years of Nigeria’s independence. However, this approach may reignite fears among minority groups and lead to new unrest, given ongoing concerns about ethnic domination and minority rights within the federal system. Considering Nigeria’s complex history and context, it requires a federal structure that maintains a strong central government capable of effectively managing competition for resources among states.
In conclusion, improvements in governance are more likely to have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary citizens than restructuring the federal system. Most citizens are more concerned with good governance than with changes to the structure of government. Unfortunately, the calls for restructuring have been co-opted by political elites for their own gain. Good governance is essential for promoting national peace, stability, and development. Despite over six decades of independence, Nigeria continues to struggle with poverty and other challenges that hinder its progress. The problem may not lie in the structure of the state, and restructuring may not be the answer. Instead, prioritizing good governance and addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges is crucial for achieving sustainable development.
I contend that a commitment to good governance is the key to delivering development that benefits the masses and improves people’s quality of life. Nigerians seek a state that prioritizes their security and welfare needs, which is attainable in a setting characterized by free and fair elections, accountability, adherence to the rule of law, and robust democratic institutions and transparency. Ensuring these elements of good governance should be the primary focus, rather than pursuing potentially divisive and ineffective restructuring efforts.
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