One unmistakable feature of the leaders of the mainstream South-West political class was their stand on the convocation of a national conference which would lead to the restructuring of Nigeria and adoption of fiscal federalism. That feature endeared them to me because it agreed with my view about Nigeria.

From 1993 when the struggle for the reversal of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election started, restructuring of Nigeria was on the lips of the top players. The pan-Yoruba body, Afenifere, championed it. That same period, the pro-democracy group, National Democratic Coalition, which had members of Afenifere among its leadership, also championed the campaign for the convocation of a national conference at which Nigerians would come up with laws that would restructure the nation and make it a true federal state. Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Dr Frederick Fasehun, and others were at the forefront of that call.

After the death of Chief MKO Abiola, whose election victory in 1993 was senselessly annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and sustained by Gen. Sani Abacha, the call for a national conference and restructuring of the country assumed a high proportion. It continued with the return of democracy in 1999 through the administrations of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

With the passing away or retirement of most of the South-West elders that sustained the call for the convocation of a national conference, the next generation took over the baton and ensured that the talk about national conference and true federalism was on the front burner in national discourse. The voices mostly heard from 1999 were those of Chief Bola Tinubu, Rauf Aregbesola, Babatunde Fashola, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (who though is geographically from the North-Central but ethnically Yoruba), and Mr Femi Falana. They complained about the overbearing nature of the central government. They espoused the virtues and advantages of fiscal federalism that would ensure that each state or zone has powers that will enable it to grow at its own pace without having to depend on the government at the centre or wait for other states. They referred to the era before and during the First Republic when the regions flourished and Chief Obafemi Awolowo (as the Premier of Western Region) achieved milestones that made him the darling of his people. In the East and the North respectively, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe/Dr Michael Okpara and Sir Ahmadu Bello also achieved milestones that etched their names in gold. That was the golden era of Nigeria.

They complained that state governors were only chief security officers of their states in word but not in deed, as the state commissioner of police was answerable to the inspector-general of police and not the state governor. They, therefore, called for the creation of state police to enable them to have control over the security of their states. They asked for a special status for Lagos as the former federal capital, so that the state could be well taken care of.

I agreed with most of their points. These men became men after my own heart because I saw them as men who shared my view about the need to restructure Nigeria so as to make it great. No doubt, there were other voices from other parts of the country who wanted a national conference and the restructuring of the nation, especially in the South-East and South-South, but the call was loudest in the South-West. It was only in the North (especially the North-West and North-East) that the voices were few and far between.

With the victory of the All Progressives Congress at the polls this year, there was renewed hope that the need to restructure Nigeria would be a top priority, given that many of those who have championed the call for a national conference and true federalism are now in and part of the government. Surprisingly, the champions of this call have seemingly gone quiet since the APC victory. No mention is made of a national conference or true federalism anymore. Many people like me have been wondering what happened. Have they changed their view on that? Is national conference or true federalism no longer the panacea for Nigeria’s problems? I have been demoralised and confused by their silence on this critical issue.

Last week, The PUNCH had a powerful editorial on the issue with the headline: Engaging the renewed agitation for Biafra. In the editorial, the newspaper declared inter alia:

“We cannot continue to live in self-denial. Nigeria is paying a heavy price for running a ‘natural’ federation like a unitary state. Our federation effectively denies the component nationalities that ability to compete with each other and actualise their full potential. The recent agitation … reminds us that Nigeria must be remade into a proper federation. Fiscal federalism, state police and state control of natural resources that were evident in the First Republic will facilitate rapid development, better inter-group relations and national cohesion. Crucially, these will remove violent agitation for secession from the streets and unsavoury operators onto the political mainstream. Nigeria’s leaders should realise however that unless the country is restructured, periodic agitation for separation or autonomy will continue to recur – and not all will be peaceful.”

Last week too, the Chairman of the defunct Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference, Senator Femi Okurounmu, noted that the pro-Biafran agitations probably started due to the failure of the President Buhari administration to implement the resolutions of the 2014 National Conference. He said that the conference endorsed fiscal autonomy and the devolution of powers from the centre to the federating states.

He stated thus: “The National Conference had foreseen this agitation and that was why we agreed that there would be certain autonomy of the federating units. The problems of Nigeria lie on the issues of devolution of power and that of resource allocation.”

The best legacy the Buhari Presidency can bequeath to Nigeria is to set the nation on the path of greatness and growth by ensuring that Nigeria is restructured to become a true federation. He can start by dusting up the report of last year’s conference and discussing with the National Assembly how to adopt most of the decisions taken at that conference. If he does not want to implement the report because it was done under the administration of Jonathan, then let him source for money and start another conference as early as next year.

Nigeria is being pulled from different parts by forces of frustration and anger. There is no sign that this will stop soon. From all indications, it may even get worse. As an individual, Buhari may not like true federalism. He has never said anything to suggest that he supports the idea of fiscal federalism. That is not very important. But as the President who wants to make his country grow and reduce the tension and bad blood in the nation, it will be great for him to bury his personal view and think of the interest of the nation in the long term.

Since many of those who championed the restructuring of the country are now in the government of Buhari, Nigerians are looking up to them to pull the strings that will kick off this process. If not, it will be laughable in the years to come, when they are no longer in government, for the same people to resuscitate the call for a national conference that will usher in true federalism. Many people will ask them: When you were in government and had the opportunity to effect that change, why did you not do it?

http://punchng.com/what-happened-to-south-wests-stand-on-fiscal-federalism/

The path to Nigeria's greatness should start from implementing the confab report and not in unrealistic campaign promises.

The oracle has spoken.

Mr op, are u saying buhari should bury his personal views and consider the interest of nigerians and nigeria?

then you dont really know the ABokii.

"Anyone who thinks that fulanis put their own in power to change the status quo must be high on Aisha's pubic hair.
They wanted power, they got it. It ends there. You want the most unprogressive region to 'change' the country? how? Black people sef"

PDP"s ideas died with them

shikena

The agitation haven't bn working.

1. We had federalism before but it was killed by the selfish interests of the ethnic groups cum northern geographical representation of this country. Till tomorrow, they will never lend a ear to the agitation because this unitary or faux marriage will not favour them.

2. The political mindset and structure of Nigeria is one that fosters corruption. It is a malady we can never do away with since we all have the mentality of installing leaders with the agendas of treating some ethno-religious group better than others. As an example, install an Igbo president today and watch the cries for Biafra or resource control, die a quick death because it automatically means better times for them. Ethno-religious groups have since been calling for federalism....until they get in power or get juicy political appointments.

3. True federalism will solve a lot among the myriads of problems in this country (at least for the ethno-religious groups that have proven they can be sustainable) but there is no end in sight because the youth still see the political colourations in this country from the flags of APC/PDP. Until their education is complete as to the history, cultural diversity and innate political inclinations of each ethno-religious group in this country, I do not think true federalism can even be seriously discussed. It starts with understanding how the present day Nigerians chose to coexist before Lord Lugard forced them into this damning marriage.

Yungwizzzy:
PDP"s ideas died with them

shikena

True & fiscal federalism was the war cry of NADECO & the progressive elements of the mainly south-west, it has never been a PDP idea.

luvinhubby:

True & fiscal federalism was the war cry of NADECO & the progressive elements of the mainly south-west, it has never been a PDP idea.

Stop talking federalism bro, when our person was there he did nothing for us

Yungwizzzy:


Stop talking federalism bro, when our person was there he did nothing for us

Bros it is not about what 'our' own person can do for us, but what WE can do for ourselves.

They're now in power, so its business as usual. True federalism ko, true change ni.

Yungwizzzy:


Stop talking federalism bro, when our person was there he did nothing for us

The illiterates are here.

luvinhubby:

Bros it is not about what 'our' own person can do for us, but what WE can do for ourselves.

Then stop blabbing on social plantforms

DDeliverer:
Mr op, are u saying buhari should bury his personal views and consider the interest of nigerians and nigeria?

then you dont really know the ABokii.

You no well, I swear

kingzizzy:
True federalism in Nigeria? It would be easier for us Igbos to get Biafra than for true federalism to ever come back to Nigeria. As far as most northerners are concerned, there's no difference between true federalism and Biafra................. and they are right.

Obviously the biafran agitation is not far from the push for true federalism. The only difference is their quest for sovereignty but the truth still remains that regimes with differs promises will come & go, the Nigeria ship will continue on the downward drift until we stir up the instinct of self survival within geopolitical zones that will stimulate extra productivity & stop this senseless craze for oil money from the centre.
As painful as this might be to some sections of the country, that is the only way for Nigeria to go in other to realistically achieve anything meaningful.

The agitation should be the convocation of Sovereign National Conference whose resolution will be tested via referendum and not be subjected to the political muscle of the NASS, like Jonathan's Confab. We have to be sincere with ourselves, Jonathan's Confab of 2014 was to further his political ambition for a second term just like Obj's of 2005(3rd term) and Abacha's of 1994 (Civilian Presidency). It wasn't a sincere Confab... Quote me anywhere.

The 2014 Confab couldn't be implemented for three reasion:
1. Buhari administration is not in sync with it.
2. Even if it was, it will not see the light of day in the NASS and States Houses of Assembly considering that its implementation will be against the interest of political jobbers.
3. The confab was silent on crude oil and gas resource control. We(Niger Deltans) demand for 25% derivation was ignored. Hence, it was a sham.

Buhari must convoke an SNC of ethnic nationalities. Nigeria need restructuring

Ultimus:
1. We had federalism before but it was killed by the selfish interests of the ethnic groups cum northern geographical representation of this country. Till tomorrow, they will never lend a ear to the agitation because this unitary or faux marriage will not favour them.

2. The political mindset and structure of Nigeria is one that fosters corruption. It is a malady we can never do away with since we all have the mentality of installing leaders with the agendas of treating some ethno-religious group better than others. As an example, install an Igbo president today and watch the cries for Biafra or resource control, die a quick death because it automatically means better times for them. Ethno-religious groups have since been calling for federalism....until they get in power or get juicy political appointments.

3. True federalism will solve a lot among the myriads of problems in this country (at least for the ethno-religious groups that have proven they can be sustainable) but there is no end in sight because the youth still see the political colourations in this country from the flags of APC/PDP. Until their education is complete as to the history, cultural diversity and innate political inclinations of each ethno-religious group in this country, I do not think true federalism can even be seriously discussed. It starts with understanding how the present day Nigerians chose to coexist before Lord Lugard forced them into this damning marriage.

I want to assume that you aren't aware that it was GENERAL AGUIYI IRONSI that killed the true federalism and instituted unitary system. Please don't go tribal route

TonyeBarcanista:
The agitation should be the convocation of Sovereign National Conference whose resolution will be tested via referendum and not be subjected to the political muscle of the NASS, like Jonathan's Confab. We have to be sincere with ourselves, Jonathan's Confab of 2014 was to further his political ambition for a second term just like Obj's of 2005(3rd term) and Abacha's of 1994 (Civilian Presidency). It wasn't a sincere Confab... Quote me anywhere.

The 2014 Confab couldn't be implemented for three reasion:
1. Buhari administration is not in sync with it.
2. Even if it was, it will not see the light of day in the NASS and States Houses of Assembly considering that its implementation will be against the interest of political jobbers.
3. The confab was silent on crude oil and gas resource control. We(Niger Deltans) demand for 25% derivation was ignored. Hence, it was a sham.

Buhari must convoke an SNC of ethnic nationalities. Nigeria need restructuring

The quarrel that legal personalities have with SNC is the word sovereign & i believe the sovereignty of Nigeria should not be querried by any confab, the question should be about HOW do we co-exist inside this sovereign nation & i believe that question was properly answered in the last confab. The south-south's agitation for resource control has already being answered by true fiscal federalism & no more need for any 25%.
The issue of political will by the current APC regime made up of mainly progressives that canvassed for this speaks volumes of their sincerity.

luvinhubby:

The quarrel that legal personalities have with SNC is the word sovereign & i believe the sovereignty of Nigeria should not be querried by any confab, the question should be about HOW do we co-exist inside this sovereign nation & i believe that question was properly answered in the last confab. The south-south's agitation for resource control has already being answered by true fiscal federalism & no more need for any 25%.
The issue of political will by the current APC regime made up of mainly progressives that canvassed for this speaks volumes of their sincerity.

This is why we may never move forward as a nation because we always seem to know what people want more than they do. Why can't we have a confab thatvis no holds barred whereby people will decide their fate within or without Nigeria. We can't assume that everyone wants to remain in Nigeria. Anything and everything should be open for discussion.

If not that we live in a wicked country, I don't see how states or regions managing their own resources should need a confab.

luvinhubby:

The quarrel that legal personalities have with SNC is the word sovereign & i believe the sovereignty of Nigeria should not be querried by any confab, the question should be about HOW do we co-exist inside this sovereign nation & i believe that question was properly answered in the last confab. The south-south's agitation for resource control has already being answered by true fiscal federalism & no more need for any 25%.
The issue of political will by the current APC regime made up of mainly progressives that canvassed for this speaks volumes of their sincerity.

Bros, is this APC/PDP thread or Nigeria thread? Keep politics out of this discuss if you want it to be fruitful.

Soverign National Conference is the only and legitimate conference. Power and Sovereignty comes from God through the people and not the politicians. Ethnic nationalities must come together to discuss Nigeria and not some political nominees and President's footsoldiers. Like I said, Abacha's 1994 Confab, Obj's 2005 Confab and GEJ's 2014 Confab were all talk shops, sham and politically motivated to actualise their personal agenda. Funny enough, all three men FAILED in their bid.

How can there be resource control without a clear cut definition of what percentage of oil proceed will stay with the hosts and what will go to the center. Perhaps, they want to sustain their present 'sharing formular'. Is that fiscal autonomy? How can there be resource control without clearly defining what % will remain with indigenous producers(communities) and what will go to their state/Local governments? That's rubbish!

We need a SNC and not any political Confab

Afam4eva:

This is why we may never move forward as a nation because we always seem to know what people want more than they do. Why can't we have a confab thatvis no holds barred whereby people will decide their fate within or without Nigeria. We can't assume that everyone wants to remain in Nigeria. Anything and everything should be open for discussion.

If not that we live in a wicked country, I don't see how states or regions managing their own resources should need a confab.

Afam holding a no-holds-bar conference will only end up in confusion because the most extreme of views will advanced will be canvassed and put forward by some nationalities and moreover, the last confab was a no-holds-bar, the only caveat was the issue of our sovereignty and i agree with that.

TonyeBarcanista:

Bros, is this APC/PDP thread or Nigeria thread? Keep politics out of this discuss if you want it to be fruitful.

Soverign National Conference is the only and legitimate conference. Power and Sovereignty comes from God through the people and not the politicians. Ethnic nationalities must come together to discuss Nigeria and not some political nominees and President's footsoldiers. Like I said, Abacha's 1994 Confab, Obj's 2005 Confab and GEJ's 2014 Confab were all talk shops, sham and politically motivated to actualise their personal agenda. Funny enough, all three men FAILED in their bid.

How can there be resource control without a clear cut definition of what percentage of oil proceed will stay with the hosts and what will go to the center. Perhaps, they want to sustain their present 'sharing formular'. Is that fiscal autonomy? How can there be resource control without clearly defining what % will remain with indigenous producers(communities) and what will go to their state/Local governments? That's rubbish!

We need a SNC and not any political Confab

This is a no-partisan discus and i wish it to remain so.

A political confab, like the last one, with far reaching consensus on the how & who manages what is generated in each region is agreed upon and the political will to do that is where the current regime comes in.

luvinhubby:

This is a no-partisan discus and i wish it to remain so.

A political confab, like the last one, with far reaching consensus on the how & who manages what is generated in each region is agreed upon and the political will to do that is where the current regime comes in.

Thw political confab reached NO reaching consunsus. It was political and nothing else.

Give some people Finance Minister they will forget about self determination.It happened in 1967 and it's happening again.