THE ADVENT OF THE MAGI IN THE SOUTH: ANY HOPE FOR A TRUE FEDERATION?

by

Ritchie Ejiofor, Esq.

The news of the southern state governors summit in Lagos last week and their stated agenda should give hope and happiness to all true nationalist in search of a stable federation and a resolution of the central theme in the national question.

Much as this realization in addressing these lingering issues came nearly after forty years of independence including a three-year protracted civil war and several years of denial, and suppressions of rights to self determination of some component units that make up Nigerian federation. The bold decision taken by these governors in spite of their different party affiliation is worthy of commendation. The federal structure and the need to restructure it to pave in the way for a true federalism type of government has always being at the core of the national question leading preponderance of views to call for the convening of the sovereign national conference to fashion out these issues.

I have posited in similar articles that, although, there exist no ideal model or type of federalism because of existing or different peculiarities, it must be stated here that, there do exist basic ingredients necessary to recognize what constitute federalism, that ingredient has become known universally as the hallmark of the system that even a freshman political science/ history major understands clearly as an important tool.

With this in mind, it becomes such a shameful irony and smack of deceitful irritation and offending common sensibilities when our leaders now and in the past proclaim to the world and to Nigerians that we practice federalism. Perhaps what remains to be added is federalism made in Nigeria for Nigerians

Given this understanding, the united states and perhaps Canada readily comes to mind as the closest example of a suitable model of a federal government. They both have situation similar to ours. Both are peopled with citizens who have diverse and different history of origin, migration and settlement, but unlike them, Nigeria, have not be able to use that to its advantage nor being true to its diversities towards genuinely forging a united and equitable country devoid of hatred, suspicion, insecurity, and common good for all.

Federalism as a system must be based on certain fundamentals .One of these must be the ability of the federating units to feel secured in the federation and to gain from the advantage of coming together as one. In the same token, the federal or the central government must provide equitably for all the federating units to reassure and assuage any feeling of marginalization, inequalities and promote ideals necessary for collective goals. This is when the centrifugal and the centripetal forces are harmonized such that what unites or pull the units together, are higher than what draws them apart. Federalism guarantees healthy competition to all the federating units and allows each to advance at its own pace using it own wealth to improve on it’s welfare and giving some to the central government and to the common pool.

At the core of the issues of the southern governor’s summit should be finding an equitable revenue allocation formulae and resource distribution, federal structure, police, citizenship and Statism. The bold steps taken by this motley crowd of southern governors should have been the duties of our elected federal legislature; instead, they pride themselves with impeachment sagas, privileges salaries and allowance etc. As of date, Nigerian has no immediate recollection of what the founding fathers may have had in mind when the decision was taken to grant Nigeria independence. This lack of clear-cut ideology on what type of nation to build has led to several unrewarding gyrations with all models and variance of Nigeria type De-federal structure.

The truth must be told and accept for Nigeria to move ahead, it is not surprising to note that, it is only with the coming of the present southwest control of central power that the governors from those region are bold enough to come together with a truly genuine cause. Till date, what is practiced in Nigeria has no resemblance to federalism, but could possibly be a mongrel resulting from the fusion of over predominant unitary and a highly centralized system of government, ‘ Re-christened "Federal Republic of Nigeria" This could be described as anything, but a federal structure

Some school of thoughts have argued repeatedly that this system in place is used to feather the nest of a particular section, why other canvass the views that this system provides the safeguards for maintaining the unity of the corporate entity called Nigerian which forever has being on the fringes of collapse. When late Aguiyi-Ironsi was overthrown on the premise that he attempted to introduce a centralized unitary government, one would have expected that subsequent government would have steered the boat of the nation on the right track, but rather dismally, the same route was followed by them This simply is the case of calling a dog a bad name just to hang it. Whenever issue of restructuring the federation is echoed out, antagonist are quick to point out that the fragile nature and unity of Nigeria is not ripe enough to tackle the task, asserting that the task would compromise the integrity and stability of the nation.

Central to the agitation and need to usher in a true federalism is by using the acceptable derivation formulae in revenue allocation and resource distribution. The now common sight of state governors running to Abuja for federal aid should have been eliminated if derivation is employed .In all nations practicing federalism, the component parts are autonomous from the center and they contribute to the center unlike the reverse which is the case with Nigeria. In this regard, the 13% derivation policy is a mere pittance and is totally unacceptable if really Nigeria want to practice federalism. What would happen if the US government were to control the oil wealth of Alaska or Texas? The present method adopted and in use by successive government emasculates and strangulates the leprous economy of this state and is used to subjugate the states for whatever political advantages thereof.

Derivation formulae when used, encourages healthy competition and this leaves so much question marks on the sincerity of those violently in opposition to its re-adoption. When applied in the past, it led to the rise of the then famous groundnut pyramid in the north and the popular cocoa boom in the western region The government should not continue to rob peter to pay Paul.

Other core areas to be reviewed include but not restricted to the issues of Nigeria police, citizenship, respect for law, fundamental rights protection. I make haste to lend my weight in support for the disbanding the present federal police force and replacing it with regional or state police, to include municipal and local government area police as the case may be with each of them exercising to the exclusion of any intrusion from any body their autonomy. This will prevent the use of the police as done by several past leaders to suppress agitation and political opponent .The Nigeria police in most cases of emergency riot situation act like an army of occupation or at best mercenaries

Several efforts in the past have been made to introduce the national identity card policy. But each time the issue comes up, several discontenting voices always ensure it never see the light of day. The pertinent question to ask here there fore is who is afraid of providing a definition for a Nigerian? The national identity card system to my understanding, would have been a substitute or, at best, Nigerian equivalent of social security card used in the US and in other advanced countries. Without any acceptable identifying national scheme, it becomes easy to circumvent the system particularly in electoral fraud and financial misappropriation. Once there is a scheme like the national ID, where every Nigerian is given a number starting from child birth to school to include workers, traders, it becomes easy to keep track of taxes and to make long term planning.

Clearly stated, the mad rush for power at the center is a product of the defective system. If truly a proper federal system is put in place, the center becomes less attractive and the socio- political and economic rivalry associated with contest for presidential election would be eliminated. The first step toward achieving that is to devolve power to the states and local government areas and by putting in place a derivation formulae where the states takes control of their wealth and destiny in their hand and making contributions to the central government and o the common pool, but with the states controlling the largest share of it natural wealth.

The only stumbling block to Nigeria’s greatness lies in the present structure. One curious fact is how polarized the country has become over this issue of federal structure or national question resolution. The pros and cons of it’s need and otherwise is informed by the regional divide of various agitators. Herein lies the major problem. As I close this write up, I hope my generation would not be wasted as been taunted by many patriots who feel frustrated and helpless about the enormity of the problems. I SALUTE YOU ALL MEN OF COURAGE IF YOU ACT LIKE MAGI.

RITCHIE EJIOFOR ESQ