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RESTRUCTURING: CONFAB 2014 Report Endorses 18 New States (LIST) / Before Vs Now: El-rufai On Restructuring Of Nigeria / Call For Restructuring Of Nigeria: Yorubas Are Envious Of The North - Yakasai (2) (3) (4)
Restructuring Of Nigeria, by superstar1(m): 1:41pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
That Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914 and subsequently named Nigeria by Lord Lugard's mistress, Flora Shaw are no more news. This gave rise to a marriage of inconveniences of strange bed fellows that had little or nothing in common. From Ogoja to Saki, Kaura Namoda to Port Harcourt, Monguno to Badagry and Sokoto to Ikot Ekpene -- we have diverse cultures, languages, attitudes and outlooks to life lumped together within a space that is bounded by lines drawn by colonial masters. No wonder a founding father called the nation "a mere geographical expression". We cannot deny the fact Africans have allegiance to their ethnicities first, before the nation. They see the ethnicity as the identity and history bestowed on them by their ancestors and the nation has secondary. This is also obtainable in Europe and Asia. We should therefore not see such view as being primordial. Our pride in ancestral lineage and differences should have been harnessed to give birth to national pride as seen in most European and Asian countries. This is not the case in Nigeria. The strong allegiance to our ethnicities and fight for ethnic supremacy, dominance and relevance led to the early mistakes that were witnessed within the first decade of independence of this nation, that was tagged "Giant of Africa" but as refused to live up to its full potential due to mirads of problems confronting it as a nation. It is also on record (an irony though) that the period of fastest developmental growth witnessed in this country was within the first few years of independence of tis nation, when we were still operating the regional system of governance. There was healthy rivalry and collaborations between the regions that were in existence then. These are all man made problems, that can be corrected by sitting down as a nation and collectively fashion a structure of governance that will make this nation to be what we can all be proud of and what we can be wearing in our heart as a thing of pride. The problem has gotten to a level of secession cries, blackmailing of Federal Government right left and centre, cries for resource control etc The truth is are we not going to witness the same problems confronting Nigeria today if our various cries are achieved? Will good leaders suddenly become good ones, will corruption suddenly just die a natural death, will embezzlement of public funds just stop, will nepotism just come to an end? I do not believe this will be the case. It is also on record (an irony though) that the period of fastest developmental growth witnessed in this country was within the first few years of independence of tis nation, when we were still operating the regional system of governance. There was healthy rivalry and collaborations between the regions that were in existence then. This bring me to the question of the best restructuring that might best suit the country and how do we structure? The 36 states structure cannot sustain through federalism and the bicameral assembly is too expensive for such a nation as ours that is facing dwindling income. We need to do a way with both as a matter of urgency. In my own opinion, we need to take the following steps, if truly we want to bequeath a nation we can all be proud of to future generations: 1. Let there be a call for inclusion of referendum in our constitution. This is achievable if we set our heart to as a people. 2. After this, let there be a call for Sovereign National Conference. The attendees must be elected by the people based on ethnicities with UN invited as a moderator or an observer. 3. The country should be restructured politically with Central, Regional, States, Municpalities/LGs/Counties as this units of governance. 4. The Central Government should have a President with a unicameral house. The presidency should be rotated among the regions on a stipulated number of years basis. 5. The Central Government should only be concerned with Defense, Immigration, External Relations and Federal Judiciary and Police/FRSC. 6. The Vice president should be another region or the 5 regional heads apart from the region where the central president is from can double as VPs. 7. The regional government should have Regional Heads and unicameral house. Each region should have the right to determine the number of states and Municipalities/LGs within each region. 8. Regional heads liaises on behalf of the region with the Central Govrnment, while the state Governor liaises on behalf of his state with the Regional Government and the Municipality/LG chairman does the same with the state. 9. Every region should be in control of its resources, policing, educational, health, ports, judiciary, social work, transportation system, work force etc. 10. Regions should hold at least 70-80% of its income generated and the remaining remitted to the Central Government for covering of the operational cost of the Central Govt. 11. Resource allocation could be re-distributed among the states within a region based on whatever criteria the region decides among themselves 12. Based on this successor this, a gradual drifting towards secession can be achieved without any rancour, animosity or war. With this I strongly believe, we can bring governance closer to the people and make our politicians and leaders more accountable. Others are free to make their suggestions and let us all think out of the box to solve this quagmire we have found ourselves. If the elderly ones refuse to change the country, we the youths can galvanise ourselves, gain the momentum by demanding for what we think should be the best political structure for this nation. 1 Like |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by Nobody: 2:52pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
New regions should be created, asin just as all yorubas were carved into western region, all Igbos wud be carved into a new Eastern region. |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 3:16pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
"TABLE OF CONTENTS" 1. BACKGROUND Page 2 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE POSITION OF NDIGBO Page 6 i. Restructuring of Nigeria into Six Regions Page 6 ii. Powers of Federal, Region (and States) Page 6 iii. Citizenship Rights Page 8 iv. Form of government for Federal Republic of Nigeria Page 8 v. Tenure of Chief Executive at Federal, Region/ State Page 8 vi. Revenue-Sharing (“Fiscal federalism”) Page 9 vii. Reorganization of the Police Page 10 viii. Reorganization of the Nigerian Armed Forces Page 11 ix. State Security Services Page 11 x. Civil Service Reforms – Federal Character Principle Page 12 xi. Political Party Reforms Page 12 xii. Judicature Page 12 xiii. Population/Census Page 12 xiv. States Creation and Boundary Adjustments Page 13 xv. Role of Traditional Rulers Page 13 xvi. Non – Adoption of State Religion Page 13 3 CONCLUSION Page 14 From Ohanaeze Ndigbo (on behalf of the Igbo-Speaking People of Nigeria) 28th June, 2012 MEMORANDUM FROM OHANAEZE NDIGBO 1. BACKGROUND For our country, with its colonial stamp of 'made in England', the three hundred odd ethnic and sub-ethnic units in this land, brought together by the force of British Imperialism to forge a modern nation, have good cause to thank God for the astonishing abundance of human and material resources bestowed on us. We are still in the process of nation building, struggling to blend together and harmonize our various very rich but differing traditions, customs and cultures. The recognition of the significance of ethnicity was clear at the birth of an independent Nigeria in 1960. The larger ethnic units of Hausa/Fulani-Igbo-Yoruba formed the basis of the three Regions North-East-West. Ethno- based agitations aimed at asserting the separate identity of the smaller groups, promptly sprouted in the three Regions. These include the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) Movement in the North, the Calabar- Ogoja-Rivers (COR) State Movement in the East and the Midwest Movement in the West. The current concept of six geo-political zones is also ethnically based, with three zones accorded to the larger ethnic groups and, to balance them out, three also to a conglomerate of the smaller ethnic units. The simple lesson from this structural arrangement is that the ethnic units are recognized and accepted as the veritable building blocks in the on-going construction work and nation building process in Nigeria. In our socio-political and economic intercourse, all groups (big or small) must be allowed free-play and equitable access to our country's resources and strategic political command posts, including particularly the presidency. Sustained imbalance in sharing responsibilities and the 'national cake' could conceivably induce in those units aggrieved a rethink of the value to them of our much vaunted national unity. The break-up of ethnically composite countries, some very powerful and prosperous, like the former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, took place along ethnic lines. Nearer home, the Republic of Sudan has just split up after decades of fratricidal conflict. These are unsavory examples that we must strenuously strive to limit in Africa, already politically over-fragmented. The needed unity in diversity of our country and its political stability are best guaranteed via an equity-oriented formula that creates a comfortable sense of belonging for all Nigerians. At independence in 1960, what our founding fathers settled for was a full-blown Federal Structure, with three Regions, East-North-West, as the federating units of our nation. All three regions were constitutionally equal in status. A fourth Region, the Midwest, was created by regular constitutional amendment in 1963. Thus, the 1963 “Constitution of the Federation” (Republican Constitution), Chapter 1, Section 5(1) states: Subject to the provisions of this constitution the Constitution of each Region shall have force of law throughout that Region, and if any other law is inconsistent with that Constitution, the provisions of that Constitution shall prevail and the other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency be void. Almost thirty (30) years of military rule has transformed our Federation into a quasi- unitary state bringing along with it political instability. It is important for the “Constitution Review Committee” to admit that the Federation upon which Nigeria was born and founded no longer exists. What now exists is an over-centralized Central Government called “Federal” Government. For the sake of the FUTURE OF STEADY AND SUSTAINABLE NIGERIA as ONE COUNTRY and ONE NATION; AND FOR THE SAKE OF DEVELOPMENT; AND FOR THE SAKE OF FUTURE GENERATION OF NIGERIANS, and for the sake and benefit of ALL Nigerians; we must face the FACT that the STATUS QUO is untenable. This generation of Nigerians must, therefore, steer the ship of State along the course on the basis of which our country was founded by REAFFIRMING TRUE FEDERALISM as the best system of Government for Nigeria. A reaffirmation of TRUE-FEDERALISM is CRITICAL to the success of political reforms as it provides the correct platform for strengthening the foundation of ONE COUNTRY and ONE NATION called NIGERIA. TRUE- FEDERALISM eliminates the fear of domination by one or a combination of groups of Nigerians over others and reduces ethno- cultural tension, thus releasing the positive and creative energies of Nigerians to the building of a nation that will be a pride to all black people on earth. The “Amendments” to be recommended by this Committee should aim at achieving this objective. The various political crises in Nigeria from 1959 to date, underline the FACT that ethno- cultural pluralism is ineffective in a country which permits the domination of other ethnic nationalities by one or a combination of them. In other words, NIGERIA HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE AS ONE COUNTRY AND ONE NATION, ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT THE CONSTITUENT COMPONENTS ALSO HAVE A FUTURE. Consequently a primary challenge that we have in Nigeria today is to reduce ETHNIC and SECTIONAL potential conflict areas to the SAFEST MINIMUM. This means a sincere affirmation of True Federalism by all Nigerians. This implies appreciable Decentralization of Power and Responsibilities from the Centre (Federal) to Federating Units. This implies greater Financial Resources to the Federating Units in tandem with increased responsibilities etc. One of the most important advantages of TRUE FEDERALISM is the equilibrium between the CENTRE (Federal) and REGIONS (Federating Units). In a country like Nigeria with multi- ethnic nationalities, the constitutional balance required by TRUE FEDERALISM should limit the tendency towards over-centralisation. In decentralization and devolution of powers from Centre to Federating Units, the OVERRIDING PRINCIPLE is not to use “tea cups” (States) to receive water from an overfull “drum” (Federal Government) of water - at least “buckets” (Region) are required for a meaningful exercise. Furthermore, the major Danger and Risk of imposing a Strong Central Government (over-centralization) is that it can only be achieved only by those who control the levers of power. An all powerful Federal Government controlling the bulk of NATIONAL PURSE and economic development is not desirable. It cannot endure and will not be tolerated indefinitely by the disadvantaged sections of the country, and there shall be several attempts to reverse it leading to serious and constant disequilibrium in the polity. There can be no doubt that Nigeria was making more progress in national development in the early years of its independence when it practiced a true federalism of four regions with more extensive powers devolved from the centre to the regions. Those were the days of the significant export of groundnuts, hides and skins, and the tin ore from the North; of cocoa from the West; of rubber from the Mid- West; and of palm produce and coal from the East of Nigeria. They were also the days of such achievements as the free universal education in Chief Awolowo's Western region, and of the burgeoning industrialization of Dr. Okpara's Eastern region. To return to true federalism, we need a major restructuring of our current architecture of governance. We would need six federating units, instead of our present 36 units which not only sustain an over-dominant centre, but also compel the country to spend not less than 74% of its revenue on the cost of administration. If the existing 36 states must be retained in some form, they could be made cost-effective development zones with minimal administrative structures within the six federating units. WITH THIS BACKGROUND NDIGBO STRONGLY ADVOCATE THE RESTRUCTURING OF NIGERIA INTO SIX (6) REGIONS BASED ON ETHNIC/ LINGUISTIC GROUPS (and other related parameters) NAMELY: a. SOUTH-EAST REGION OF NIGERIA b. SOUTH-WEST REGION OF NIGERIA c. SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA d. NORTH-CENTRAL REGION OF NIGERIA e. NORTH-EAST REGION OF NIGERIA f. NORTH-WEST REGION OF NIGERIA With ABUJA as the FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY These regions will constitute the Federating Units, with greater emphasis on derivation in revenue allocation; and equality of the six regions with regard to revenue distributable to the Federating Units. NOTE: However, national cohesion and stability should not be jeopardized by giving undue encouragement to centrifugal forces - a potential risk in giving UNLIMITED POWERS to Federating Units. The objective of the Constitutional Review must be to keep Nigeria as a whole (not a group or section) strong. Accordingly, the Centre (Federal Government) should have all that it genuinely requires to keep the country together, with minimum risk of abuse of power by the Central Government. Finally we note that whichever way a True Nigeria Federation evolves, FISCAL and FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP between the Center and Federating Units; and the economic development cum financial independence of the Federating Units are of crucial importance. http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/OhanaezeDraftSubConstitutionReview.html |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 3:20pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE POSITION OF NDIGBO The position of Ndigbo on Nigeria has remained constant: i.e TO HAVE A TRULY FEDERAL NATION called NIGERIA with an effective CORRUPTION-FREE EQUITY ORIENTED GOVERNMENT, whose primary objectives shall be the welfare and well- being of the peoples of Nigeria irrespective of creed or culture . Accordingly, Ndigbo at this point desire nineteen (19) constitutional provisions. Restructuring of Nigeria Into Six Zones TO RETURN NIGERIA TO TRUE FEDERALISM Specifically Ndigbo advocate that Nigeria should be RESTRUCTURED INTO SIX REGIONS namely: a) SOUTH-EAST REGION OF NIGERIA b) SOUTH-WEST REGION OF NIGERIA c) SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA d) NORTH-CENTRAL REGION OF NIGERIA e) NORTH-EAST REGION OF NIGERIA f) NORTH-WEST REGION OF NIGERIA Each Region of Nigeria shall have its own “Regional” Constitution . The States of the present Federation that shall constitute each Region are as presently constituted in the zones with boundary adjustments where necessary. Each Region shall have the right to determine the number of States, Local Governments, and District/Community Councils that shall constitute the Region, according to the limits of their resources. Federal (Central) Government shall not be involved in State, Local Government, and District/Community Councils matters. Powers of Federal, Region (and States) Power shall be decentralized. The powers of the Central (Federal) Government shall be drastically reduced in favour of the REGIONS AS Federating Units. Details shall be worked out by the Review Committee bearing in mind the 1963 Nigerian Constitution, and devolution of powers as recommended by the 1994 Conference. (see Draft Constitution 1995). As a guide we recommend that FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS shall not exceed those exercised by the Center (Federal) at Nigeria's Independence in 1960 and shall be enumerated to include such matters as foreign Affairs, Monetary Policies, Citizenship, National Security, Defence etc. THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA SHALL HAVE A FOUR-TIER STRUCTURE, namely: CENTER (FEDERAL), REGIONS (FEDERATING UNITS); STATES (to be determined by the regions and not by the center according to the will of the constituent peoples of the region and enshrined in the regional constitution) , and LOCAL GOVERNMENT. (to be determined by the States) . Over-centralisation removes power and resources from tiers of Government that are nearest to the citizen and promotes inefficiency, incompetence, corruption, alienation and loss of faith in Government. It ALSO PROMOTES INEQUALITY IN NUMBERS OF STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PER ZONE/ REGION. THERE SHALL BE SUBSTANTIAL DEVOLUTION OF POWERS FROM THE CENTER (FEDERAL) TO THE FEDERATING UNITS (REGIONS). a. Each Region shall have EXECUTIVE, Legislative, and Judicial Functions. The Executive powers shall be vested in the Governor General of the Region (or by whatever name the Committee may decide) b. The Legislative powers of each Region shall be vested in the Assembly of the Region (Regional Assembly). However if any law enacted by the ASSEMBLY OF A REGION is inconsistent with the provisions of the CONSTITUTION OF NIGERIA or with ANY LAW VALIDLY ENACTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, the law made by the ASSEMBLY OF THE REGION shall be VOID to the extent of the inconsistency . c. There shall be for each Region, a Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal of a region shall to the exclusion of any other court in Nigeria have jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from decisions of the State High Courts, and State customary Courts of appeal and state Sharia Courts of Appeal situate in that Region and such other court as may be prescribed by a law enacted by the ASSEMBLY of that REGION. d. There shall be a FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL. The Federal Court of Appeal shall to the exclusion of any other court in Nigeria have JURISDICTION to hear and determine appeals from decisions of the FEDERAL HIGH COURT; the Court of the Federal Capital Territory; the Customary Court of Appeal of FCT, Sharia Court of Appeal of FCT; and such other courts or tribunals as may be prescribed by a LAW ENACTED by the National Assembly. Citizenship Rights KEENLY conscious of the danger to national cohesion and unity caused by the destruction of lives and properties in ethno religious incidents in the recent past and at present, Ndigbo consider it absolutely necessary to have Citizenship Rights clearly enumerated and guaranteed; by both the federal and regional governments. The 1963 Constitution and the Draft constitution 1995 are explicit on the fundamental rights of the Nigerian Citizen. iv. FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Ndigbo recommend the Presidential System of Government for a restructured Nigeria. There shall be ONE PRESIDENT elected: nationally” with a SINGLE VICE-PRESIDENT. a. The Vice-President shall be assigned specific responsibilities by the Constitution. b. Ditto for Chief Executives of the Regions (including States) with their Deputies. v. TENURE OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT FEDERAL, REGIONS/STATE a) A PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA SHALL HOLD OFFICE FOR A SINGLE TENURE OF SIX (6) YEARS AND SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANOTHER TERM OF OFFICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC. Apart from stopping the inevitable distraction from the time and attention of the office holder in the quest for a second term, a single tenure eliminates the crucial and unfair advantage enjoyed by an incumbent with access to vast official, which are not available to his or her co-contestants in the conduct of electoral campaigns. The tenure of the president shall commence from the date when he was sworn in as President. b) WHEN A VACANCY OCCURS BY WHATEVER CAUSE (DEMISE, INCAPACITY ON HEALTH GROUNDS, IMPEACHMENT, RESIGNATION) THE GOVERNOR GENERAL/PREMIER FROM HIS/HER REGION SHALL ASSUME THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM. c) DITTO FOR STATES WITHIN A REGION. ROTATION OF THE POSITION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT FEDERAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS a. The office of President of the Federal Republic shall rotate among the six Regions in turn a. Ditto for States within a Region. iv. Revenue-Sharing (“Fiscal Federalism”) Revenue-Sharing Between The Centre And Federating Units Must Be Comprehensively Reviewed To Reflect “Fiscal Federalism”. There are two facets to the revenue issue. (i) What should go to the Federation Account; and (ii) How the money in the Federation account will be shared between the central and regional governments At Independence under the Raisman formula, 50% of revenue was paid to the regions of origin on the basis of derivation, while 20% was paid to the Federal Government as a contribution by the region for maintenance of the integrity of the nation, and the balance of 30% was shared equally among regional governments including the region of origin. In the same vein, the 1963 Constitution of the Federation States in Sec. 140(i): “There shall be paid by the Federal to each Region a sum equal to fifty percent of the proceeds of any Royalty received by the Federation in respect of any minerals (including mineral oil) extracted in that Region”. Over the years, the percentage kept by the region on the basis of derivation has been progressively reduced to the level of 3-5%. As a first step to redressing the present distortion, we recommend an increase in the weighting given to the derivation factor to 30% . Accordingly, a) We recommend that the amount to be retained by the Central (Federal) government be drastically trimmed down based on a thorough study of the financial requirements for accomplishing its reduced function; that the balance thereafter be shared equally between the six regions. We further recommend that the formula for sharing revenue within the regions shall be the same as recommended for the central (federal) government. However, derivation should be extended to all local governments or states that are environmentally impacted by the resource exploitation. b) Ownership of resources must be by the areas where these are located. Most importantly these recommendations will reduce the “CAKE-SHARING MENTALITY” in Nigeria and lead to faster growth and development of the Nigerian economy by encouraging PRODUCTIVITY AND EXPLOITATION OF THE VAST NATURAL RESOURCES OF EACH OF THE SIX REGIONS OF NIGERIA. iv. Reorganization of the Nigerian Police An effective and efficient Police Force is essential for the development of democracy in Nigeria. However past abuses, including frequent incursions of military into rulership, underline the necessity for avoiding a Constitutional arrangement which provides the TEMPTATION and the MEANS to the Federal Government (via Army and/or police) to toy with matters of vital Local interest to the people of any Region or State of the Federation. Accordingly, Ndigbo recommend: a. That there be established a two-tier Police structure, to wit: REGIONAL POLICE whose jurisdiction shall be limited to the geographical areas of the Region, and National Police which shall have inter-regional jurisdiction. b. THE TWO POLICE FORMATIONS VIZ FEDERAL AND REGIONAL POLICE FORMATION shall have clearly delineated JURISDICTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, MODUS OPERANDI and “INTERPHASE PROTOCOLS” to minimize areas of friction, whilst emphasizing integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness. c. The NIGERIA (NATIONAL) POLICE shall draw a good portion of its personnel in each Zonal Command from the Region. v. Reorganization of the Nigerian Armed Forces There shall be one Nigerian Army, one Nigerian Air-Force and one Nigerian Navy. There shall be a comprehensive review of the numbers and equipment of the Armed forces in the light of the nations objectives and resources. The Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air-Force shall be reorganized in ZONAL COMMANDS. Accordingly, there shall be in each Region a a. Zonal Command of the Nigeria Army and Nigerian Air-force. b. With regard to the Nigerian Navy, it must be ensured that the composition of their officers and men reflect a balance between the SIX Regions. iv. State Security Services There shall be one State Security Service in Nigeria, and it again shall be organized in Regional Commands. v. Civil Service Reform - Federal Character Principle There shall be for Nigeria, and for the Regions, a Civil service appropriate for the discharge of responsibilities assigned to each tier by the Constitution. a. The emphasis in Civil Service Reforms shall be to streamline Federal/ Regional bureaucracies so as to REDUCE COST OF GOVERNANCE whilst infusing efficiency in the system. Civil Service Review exercises at all levels will necessarily accompany the restructuring of Nigeria based on the principles of TRUE FEDERALISM. b. An appointment to the Head of Service of the Federation, Region shall not be made except from amongst the Permanent Secretaries or officers of equivalent rank in the Civil Service of the Federation or Region. c. In exercising powers of appointment into the Federal, Regional and State Civil Service for the ranks of Director and Permanent Secretariats, the President, Governor-General and Governors shall have regard to the diversity of people in the country and in the Regions and the need to promote unity and balanced development. FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE a. An essential objective in Civil/public Service Reforms shall be to enforce the Federal Character Principles. This should be made justifiable and aggrieved individuals/groups should be able under the NEW constitution to take the matter to court. b. Ndigbo also advocate that the “Federal Character Principle” should not be restricted to man power only but expanded to include project citing and budgeting as well as execution by the federal Government. Thus there must not be undue disparity between the six Regions in Annual Budget. iv. Political Party Reforms Ndigbo advocate MULTY-PARTY system as a panacea against abuse of democratic practice and process. Given time to develop, truly National Parties shall emerge based on shared ideologies. v. The Judicature A strong and independent judiciary is indispensable for a stable polity. Consequently, Budgetary Allocations for the Judiciary shall be on “FIRST CHARGE”. Other recommendations on Regional Judiciary, consequent upon the RESTRUCTURING OF THE POLITY INTO SIX REGIONS have been, outlined earlier. In addition: a. THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION TO THE EXCLUSION OF ANY OTHER COURT OF LAW IN NIGERIA TO HEAR AND DETERMINE APPEALS FROM: i. THE FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL ii. THE COURT OF APPEAL OF A REGION. b. THE COMPOSITION OF THE SUPREME COURT SHALL REFLECT EQUALITY OF THE SIX REGIONS vi. Population/Census Ndigbo consider the question of census as an important recurring issue since pre- independence. This subject was therefore passionately and extensively discussed as a matter that should be addressed in a comprehensive manner by the proposed Review. We recommend that the Constitution should clearly state the following: 1. “That Census delineation exercise MUST include the followings: i. Region of origin ii. State of Origin iii. Local government/Town of origin iv. Language Group v. Ethnic Group vi. Religious Affiliation vii. Gender and Age These data are necessary for effective scientific and demographic analysis as is obtained internationally” 2. The information in the National Identity Card regarding Region/State/Town of Origin should be in tandem with census. iv. States Creation And Boundary Adjusments Ndigbo specifically have been unfairly treated in this matter (ref. Igbo presentation at the Oputa Panel). The Igbo position is that: a) The inequities and injustices of previous exercises need to be redressed. b) This should become part of the delineation exercise for the new six regional federal structure. v. Role Of Traditional Rulers Ndigbo advocate constitutional roles for traditional rulers based on their closeness to the “grassroots” and rural development. It is the view of Ndigbo that harmony between the traditional and democratic forces at the grassroots level, will help to bring most of Nigerians into mainstream development. We recommend that traditional rulers be constitutionally empowered to participate effectively in the responsibility of maintaining communal peace. iv. Non-Adoption Of State Religion Ndigbo ENDORSE FULLY SECTION ELEVEN OF THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTION BY THE 1994 CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE WHICH STATES: “The Government of the Federation, (or of a region), or of a State, or of a Local Government shall NOT adopt any religion as State, or Local Government religion”. CONCLUSION Ndigbo have given so much in spirit and material resources to the concept and construction of a truly united, prosperous Nigerian nation and deserve demonstrable appreciation from their fellow citizens. To the Nigeria project, Ndigbo are still doing much more to offer our eminently endowed and great country via their contribution in a true federal character setting of six equal geo- political zones. WE AFFIRM OUR FAITH IN THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA anchored on GOOD GOVERNANCE, JUSTICE and EQUITY. http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/OhanaezeDraftSubConstitutionReview.html |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 3:24pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
@OP,good morning o. While your regional and political leaders were busy playing to the gallery,Ndigbo had already come out with a blueprint since 2012. Once again,I bid you good morning 2 Likes |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by Udmaster(m): 4:00pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
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Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by superstar1(m): 4:13pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
modhream: Which good morning? Read up on the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). Regionalism has always been the position of South West from time immemorial --U Abacha'S organised confab, OBJ's own and even thT of Jonathan. Only SW stood for regionalism in the last national conference, while SE suddenly developed cold feet about and only supported the impracticable true federalism. SS was hell bent on resource control, which will always be a hard a sell to a section of the country. SW is just watching you all to keep dancing in circus until when you are ready to face the reality, while we are forging ahead with the systematic development of our region. If the 3 of us can agree with some parts of middle belt we can pull the restructuring along regions through. This is our sure bet of getting the best deal for everyone and anyone. 2 Likes |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 4:21pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
superstar1:E se ma n tan ra yin je bayi,where's the articulated Western position on regionalism aside the usual hot air blown in the media?. Btw,before you fool yourself further,Igbo stood for restructuring during Jonathan's conference with the exception of Ebonyi state who felt they're not yet at par with the rest of the East.The question one should be asking is,why did enlightened and buoyant Lagos and Ondo states not support this nebulous western stand on regionalism and true federalism? |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 4:26pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
superstar1:DAWN agenda that Ondo has never and still don't support till date?. You must think you're reasoning with a nodcock like yourself,is the DAWN agenda calling for a restructuring of the Nigerian state along regional lines as Ohaneze did or just advocating Western Nigeria economic integration under the platform of one political party?. Talk of Abacha's conference,you do realize it was Igbo delegates,led by Ekwueme,who agitated for regionalism and came up with current geopolitical zones in current use as federating units,rights?.While the northern delegation,exemplified in Atiku Abubakar and supported by his western in-laws opposed.Come up with another lie. Then again,I'm quite sure you were in diapers then,only going by a story you've been fed on now. |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by superstar1(m): 4:31pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
modhream: Lagos talked about the regions not been recognised in the constitution yet, while Mimiko was being playing politics of PDP and APC and he never came out openly to state categorically that they are not in support. 1 Like |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by superstar1(m): 4:39pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
modhream: If you want a discuss, fine, if you want mudslinging and name calling, I will sure give it to you in equal measures, press down, shaking together and running over. Just respect yourself. Stop lying, SW has always been at the fore front of calling for regional government. That is a known fact in this country. Ekwueme only advocated for the creation of another political zone in the South to be known as SS at Abacha'S organised confab, so as to counter balance th 3 political zones of the north.mhe never clamoured for any regional system of governance.get your facts right. He only joined, as well as other igbos, the call for regional system of government as early as 2012. 1 Like |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 4:42pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
superstar1:Oh,they came out.Voted against it in committee,the records are there. Regions not being recognized by constitution,how much more asinine can one get?.Wasn't the purpose of the conference charting a new course for Nigeria,that including coming up with constitutional amendments/draft constitution?. Kid,this discuss you embark on is way beyond your ken.You want a restructured Nigeria,go back home,you and your ilk,go convince your elders and cankerworm political actors in your region about the need to.Be sincere in your dealings when you come back to us and we will gladly and with all our strength push this. Until then,Nigeria's case will continue to be a dance of ara o r'okun,ara o ro adiye. |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 4:51pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
superstar1:Heavenly days! What was the "geopolitical zones" meant to be then,if not federating units?.Do me and yourself a favour,go get a copy of the 1995 Draft Constitution,read,comprehend and digest.But first,empty out all that nonsense they'd fill your head with. Your region has been at the forefront of making noise about regionalism while Ndigbo has been working to conceptualize,capture it in form and bring it to fruition.Big difference between the two efforts. Oh,your threat of name calling.......omode shi ni e.I'll let that lie. |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by superstar1(m): 5:04pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
modhream: The federation units are the states and not the zones. The zonal delineation is just a mere geopolitical nomenclature. Read the recommendations all over again. Really!!!!! I do not have to drag the issue of conceptualisation with you, I can assure you we can NEVER agree on that. I am more inclined towards preferring of workable solutions on this thread than banters. The truth is there should be a melting pot for the noise making, conceptualisation, building alliances with other key regions and the bringing to fruition of such governance system that will unlock the full potential of this country. |
Re: Restructuring Of Nigeria, by modhream: 5:24pm On Jul 26, 2015 |
superstar1:Again,you're wrong.Geopolitical delineation wasn't meant for mere "nomenclature",as you quaintly put.There was a reason for its birth/coinage.Do go read up on the 1995 Constitutional Conference Report and Draft Constitution. And again,you're falling into that Afenifere mode of being full of sound and fury,yet signifying nothing.It is already agreed that restructuring/regionalism is the way forward,the question is what sort of restructuring and then how to.Ohaneze Ndigbo has answered their side of what type,what is Afenifere's and other regional bloc's own articulated positions?.That first,before we start talking of how to synchronize various positions and then move to implementation |
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