₦airaland Forum

superstar1:
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.

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.

superstar1:
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.

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.

superstar1:
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.

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 bet deal for everyone and anyone.

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.

superstar1:
Which good morning? Read up on the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria.

Regionalism has always been the position of South West from time immemorial -- 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.

If the 3 of us can agree with some parts of middle belt we can pull the restructuring along regions through.

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?

@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

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

"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

IYANGBALI:
leave them alone,let them continue to plot and fight one another,the more they do that,the safer our treasury in their hands

What's the use of that "safer treasury" if it cannot be used to make life better for the citizenry?.Two months after the change of guards,we're yet to know which particular direction we are headed.
BTW,their bloated pay is coming from that same treasury,for work not done.

OP,change this your provocative headline.The police entered AFTER rioters ran into the mosque,using it as a base to throw missiles.
Your headline make it appear as if the riot started after the Israeli police entered the mosque

ELTON123:
[/quote]

JBismarck post=36278584:
Hmm

Taylor86:
t

[quote author=Demmocrats post=36278502]

What's with the booking of space you guys are doing?

Plots,plots and more plots,when are they going to start governing?.
Two months of their four years is already gone.

Let me get this right,a "highly reliable" but nameless source in the presidency confirmed such report to PUNCH while the Police PPRO say they're still investigating,still working on the report,yet PUNCH ran to publish with that screaming headline?.
Worse than quack a journalism I'm yet to see.

This is total hogwash and you know it,OP.The President's article that started all this and that which you earlier wrote on,was about CABINET positions,not executive appointments which we all know will take time to fill.All those ambassadorial and board appointments................
You're trying to be smart by half,conflating different issues and making a mush of it.
Try again

Jesusloveyou:
was US economy bad and corruption ridden like what we are experiencing right now?

Yes

PassingShot:
All you have written does not make PMB's statement that "Obama didn't have his FULL cabinet several months after first taking office" wrong. Or does it? This is the crux of the matter.

I was putting things in context,never said he had a full cabinet,unlike the OP who served a mash of untruths,half-truths and lies.Do go back,read,comprehend and digest.
A logical thinker takes and analyse things in their proper context,not just gobble anything he comes across just cos it's coming from a friendly.
Hian,going by what I'm seeing from you guys this morning,I just might start believing that free education is doing a lot more harm than good to Nigerian students.

blackpanda:
[s][/s]

classic lies from a sneaky hater.
U should read before commenting. 2008 was Obama's first term and he didn't immediately appoint his full cabinet as the other article was trying to make us believe. in the same vein, Buhari has also appointed certain persons to work with and already we are seeing results.

The problem about complaining about the slightest trivial issues is that when its time to talk about serious issues nobody will take you seriously.
And no, you don't need to tell lies- you can not by any stretch of imagination be a Buhari supporter. You only deceiving yourself.

I've not really insulted anyone on this forum,but you are an idio.t.Calling you that is itself an insult on all idiots out there.Me,a sneaky hater?.Hating on what,pray tell?.A brief glance on my history here ought to have told a slimy piece of garbage like you where my political stance has been all these years.
So,clearing things up and putting them in context now makes one a hater and no supporter of the president?.How the hell does that line of thought make you any different from the Jonathanians of the past administration?.

This is a rather disjointed post by the OP.While Obama's first cabinet wasn't totally filled until some months after his inauguration,he indeed started making his nominations December 2008,a month before he was sworn in.
As for those that came in during the second term,none of those cabinet positions were vacant until their approval by the US Senate.Heck,Eric Holder had to stay on for months past his due resignation cos his replacement was not approved on time by the Republican-led Senate.
Let's keep things in clear context here,everything musn't be viewed from partisan perspective.
I'm a Buhari supporter,btw.Not that that is any important to this discuss

rudebouy:
U say you have neutralised, and you still say we shd disregard. Common illegal digital radio una no fit block.

Na wa oh!

Aswear down!
How does one disregard broadcast from a station that has been "neutralized"?.Do these people think at all or they believe we are all unthinking sheep?

Omololu007:
is edo a Niger delta state too?

It is not.
Stop confusing NDDC states or states of the geopolitical contraption for Niger delta

Omololu007:
i am from ondo state,so am a Niger deltan

Ondo is nowhere near the Niger,not to talk of its delta.

johnydon22:
[b]This is very wrong, i disagree with this totally. . Any organisation and institution has the right to follow their own rules within them free from the state.

An organisation can say NO drinking of alcohol within them, if you want to drink alcohol you can just find a bar and do so not try and force and organisation that doesn't want alcohol to give you alcohol.

The pastor is against gay marriage and he has the right to render his services to whom ever he chooses whether gay or not, it is his right nobody should be forced to do what he doesn't want to do.
Are they not now encroaching into personal rights in a bid to promote marriage rights.

Marriage rights are ok but let it not encroach into personal rights. The gay couple could have found a court or better still a church that accept gay marriage not dabble into any church and force the church to go against their own rules and rights.

America should learn to know when the championing of ONE right is disrupting another. . .

Gays have their rights to marry which is ok but individuals should have their right to decide what they want or not want to do. . [/b]

You got taken in by this too?.This is a made-up story by bloggers seeking to stir up the waters.Trust Nigerians to swallow it hook,line and sinker without question.

Stolen:
Go to igbo land and inherit our property now? No be for mouth.


Also go to igboland and change our customary law too. no be for mouth.


Lazy yorubas dreaming about igbo property. That will not happen as even me will be handing my property to my sons. How do u change that?


That issue is a case of customary court and customary law which is the igbo civil law.


Thus this decision is ultra virus decision. They need to make sure our Juges are qualified by conducting taste/exam.

I don't know which customary law you're standing on,my part of Igboland the only thing females don't inherit are their father's share of communal lands.And even that is dependent on the man not making any provisions for it,oral or written,before his death.A way of circumventing that situation is for the male progeny of the females to rightly lay claim to such lands.