Sagay, Falana add voices to calls for restructuring

More voices were Monday joined to the clamour for restructuring of the Nigerian nation, as the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN and Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, said there was an urgent need for the restructuring of the country if it must be a true federal state.

Both Sagay and Falana frowned at the way the country was being run, saying there was need for both political and fiscal federalism for rapid development.

It would be recalled that a number of prominent Nigerians had made a call for Nigeria’s restructuring in recent times. Such people include former vice presdents, Atiku Abubakar and Alex Ekwueme, among others.

Sagay and Falana made the call when they spoke as guest lecturers at a special parliamentary session organised to mark the first anniversary of the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly, with the theme, “Lagos State in a true federalism and state police.”

Other speakers were a former Inspector-General of Police, Musiliu Smith, a Professor of Comparative Politics, Igbinedion University, Eghosa Osaghae, a Professor of History, Siyan Oyeweso and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni.

Sagay, in his lecture, said the country was operating a unitary system of government which he insisted was affecting the states.

He pointed out that there was the need for the 1999 Constitution to reflect the country’s historical development, adding that Nigeria’s federalism was “too centralised” and impeding the development of the country. He opined that each region ought to enjoy a measure of autonomy in a true federalism.

He said: “Nigeria has deviated from an ideal federalism because of over-centralisation of power. It is wrong to centralise institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Police Council, the Nigerian Ports Authority and others. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was right to have said that Nigeria is not a nation, but that it is a mere geographical expression.

Read also: CAN elections: Tension over alleged moves to arrest Oritsejafor, others

“There should be respect for nationalities and the basis of our association should be explained.”

Sagay further said the independence and autonomy of the regions were destroyed by the military government in 1966, adding that Nigeria is the only federal republic without a state police.

According to him, aside states, local governments and even schools could have their police, faulting
the states in Nigeria for placing much burden on the Federal Government.

Sagay further contented that in an ideal federal system of government, Lagos State should control the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, adding that even if the ports were to be controlled by the Federal Government, the state should get a 13 per cent derivation.

Speaking at the event, Falana said the government system in Nigeria was a “bastardisation” of federalism.

He said: “It is the failure of the states to have social security that we have armed robbers and kidnappers that kill people every time. The Niger Delta Avengers are not fighting for restructuring, but for their country.

“The fundamental human right to life is guaranteed by the constitution. The government has failed to police the country properly, if anybody is killed by armed robbers, kidnappers or thugs, the family has a right to go to court to sue the Federal Government.”

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now