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MATTERS ARISING: SOUTHERN GOVERNORS AND THE BERLIN CONFERENCE ON TRUE FEDERALISM by
The recent gatherings of the southern governors in their resolve to tackle the unending agitation for restructuring the country, clearly indicates how deep the feelings of injustice, inequitable distribution of national resources, frustration with the defective federal structure and above all, the disdain and apathy for the generic brand of federalism being practiced in Nigeria. The fundamental solution to these issues squarely rest on providing a new derivative revenue formulae on which all federation world wide are being governed. The agitation for a fair and equitable revenue formulae in Nigeria culminated in the lost of unquantifiable loss of lives and properties. The murder of Saro wiwa and other Ogonis, the ravaging of Odi town in Bayelsa State, the destruction of the entire Niger-delta region are all testimony to attest to the fact. The various military governments have skillfully attempted to manipulate and distract attention from the real issues by substituting to introduction of various novel hands out approach to pacify the already aggrieved states and communities. The introduction of the OMPADEC, the 13% oil mineral production communities fund, the near monopolization of the position of minister for petroleum, being the exclusive preserve from the oil producing areas are definitely not part of the solution, but an attempt at avoiding the real issues. The time has come for a decisive decision towards a proper federalism. Federalism cannot function without a well defined, less contentious resource allocation and distribution formulae taking into consideration the diversity of the country. Development cannot occur within the various states unless the federal government reverse to the use of sharing revenue based on derivation, so that the various states would rapidly develop on a more healthier competitive manner and would seek other means of capital instead of over reliance on oil as if that is the only means of income or resources available in the country. It is not surprising why the agitation for equitable revenue derivation formulae had continued to dominate national issues since independence. The present formulae adopted by the federal government stifles the growth and basic existence of the other tiers of government to overt dependent on federal government overlord dominance. This formulae is conveniently used to reward states that supports the ruling party while discriminating against perceived opponent states. In 1981, the late Professor Ambrose Alli of the then Bendel state won a landslide decision on revenue allocation, but what ever happened to it’s enforcement is left to conjecture. The argument for a derivation formulae does not necessarily terminates with the states vis-à-vis the central government alone, it must extend to the local government areas and states cum federal government autonomy in the use of these formulae. The absence of this clear-cut application would not remove the existence of fears of domination, equity, and marginalization prevalent in the country today. The formulae in use today approximate the theory of robbing Peter to pay Paul syndrome. It need not take the wake up action of a motley crowd of southern governors to reawake and canvass for the enforcement of well-stated cardinal features of federalism. The issue has always been there and cannot not be wished away by mere resort to rhetorical non-negotiation of national unity. If there must be unity, there must be equitable grounds for ensuring it. The basic maxim of equity has always been that "he who seeks equity must do so with a clean hands". Our legislature has abdicated negligently their constitutional responsibilities. The avalanche of problems started with the introduction of the obnoxious sharia law in some northern states and now, it need not take legal tussle for the legislature to sponsor bills to usher in the much desirable revenue derivation formulae. Instead, the federal legislature is pre-occupied with mundane issues like furniture and car cum housing allowance. This pitiable silence indicates the shallow understanding of the demands for legislative functions. Anything short of full derivation is not acceptable. The most recent attempt at convening a conference of conflict crisis management in Abuja is an effort at dodging the main issues at stake. A federal government does not expect to summon with immediate effect plate carrying fund-seeking governors just like the military government does. Democracy and its twin federalism are such a beautiful concept that clearly defines the boundary of autonomy between the tiers of government. Posterity would favorably judge and honor these governors in their quest for ushering in to the existing system the full realization of nationhood. Resource allocation and distribution are central to the working of government. To achieve the dream of diversification of the economy, the urge for big government should be curtail. Once states are in control of their destiny, there would be the evolution of healthy development and the emergence of new areas of growth. The federal, states, and local governments would build up an effective mechanism for taxation revenue. Government involvement in such huge Father Christmas project that contributes to huge deficit would be eliminated. It is high time Nigerians do the right thing and at the right time. We hope the time has long due come for the introduction of the first march to federalism at work. Ejiofor, Ritchie Esq
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