By Polycarp Onwubiko
Barrister Tunji Braitwaite was a reputable Lagos-based lawyer who passed away at the age of 82. He was known for his vocal and insightful contributions to Nigeria's political landscape, advocating for the essential restructuring of the imbalanced Federation to align with the realistic principles of federal systems globally.
In his invaluable commentary on
reinventing Nigeria, he emphasized the need for restructuring, stating,
"We talk about unity in diversity. Nigeria is a federation, and at
Independence, the founding fathers envisioned using diversity as raw materials
for unity."
He highlighted the evolution of
Nigeria's constitutional structure, noting that the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions
were purely federal, allowing components of the federation to develop at their
own pace. However, challenges arose in the period from 1966 to 1979 when
attempts were made to introduce a unitary system under General Aguiyi Ironsi,
leading to subsequent reinstatement of a federal structure.
Braitwaite recounted insights from
Dr. Ajayi, a drafter of Decree 1, who explained the challenges faced in
reconciling the military's command structure with regional civilian governance
during that era.
Quoted from Dr. Tunji
Braitwaite's interview with Daily Sun on October 17, 2019, this excerpt is part
of my book titled "320 EXTRAPOLATIONS ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FEDERALISM IN
NIGERIA (2021)," available on Amazon at https://amazon.co.uk/polycarponwubiko.
This meticulously researched
literary work is a valuable resource for students of Political Science at both
undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Thisday
Editorial on Health and Education Sectors: A Disheartening Unveiling from a
Newspaper of Esteem
The Editorial Board of Thisday
Newspaper should have been well-versed in the root causes of the myriad
challenges plaguing Nigeria. The predicament stems from the unitary-federal
contraption imposed by the military government, coupled with the equally
problematic 1999 Constitution.
The amendment of the
constitution is deemed fraudulent due to the dominance of the Northern people
in the National Assembly, vehemently opposing the restructuring of the
federation. The proposed devolution of powers is similarly questionable, given
the skewed membership of the legislature. To usher in a reinvented Nigeria, a
National Conference of Ethnic Nationalities is imperative.
This conference would
deliberate on a fresh federal constitution, akin to the 1960 Independence
Constitution later renamed the 1963 Republican Constitution. In a truly federal
constitution, responsibilities such as education, health, security, and motor
licensing would fall under the purview of state governments. Local government
administration would be under state governments, mirroring the practice in the
First Republic.
It is high time to cease
groping in the dark. Nigeria must forge ahead into the league of developed
countries, leaving behind the outdated practices hindering progress.
African
Leaders and Suggestions Against Military Coups: Irony Unveiled
Ironically, the Chairman of
ECOWAS, President Tinubu, presided over the meeting and urged African leaders
to embrace good governance as an antidote to military coups. What a truly
wonderful suggestion!
The question arises: Who is
fooling whom? Democracy dividends, palliatives, and good governance (mind you,
good governance entails strict adherence to the rule of law) make no meaning
without a steadfast commitment to the rule of law in the conduct of the electoral
process.
Consciously and brazenly
undermining the rule of law during elections, only to preach about "good
governance" afterward, lacks coherence. Undermining democratic ideals and
principles, manipulating a compliant electoral umpire to dance to your tune,
and then advocating for "good governance" later is the epitome of
hypocritical posturing and make-believe.
Considering the unabating
atrocities, monstrosities, and iniquities serially committed by conscienceless
African leaders, it seems like a mere juggling of words to preach good
governance to them. They operate with the crudest mindset among leaders in the
world. As the saying goes, a "leopard cannot change its spots."
Devolution
of Powers: Unraveling a Subtle Deception by a Phalanx
The incessant call for
devolution of powers has become a grossly irrational mantra wielded by a
powerful bloc, desperately avoiding the restructuring of the lopsided
federation to reinstate realistic principles of a federal system of government.
In a crafty maneuver to
sidestep restructuring, President Buhari, despite his party committee's report
on restructuring with a decentralized security architecture, signed a piecemeal
law addressing the power sector and railway transport sub-sector. This move
ostensibly allows state governments to invest in these areas.
The snag lies in the fact that
state governments may not fully commit to these capital-intensive projects
independently. Moreover, they cannot collaborate with neighboring states for
joint projects to foster economic integration and benefit the people. Buhari,
using the compliant legislature, pushed through his agenda under the guise of
devolving some sectors of governance. This is where the deception of devolution
of powers becomes apparent and short-lived.
What the country urgently requires
is the restructuring of the lopsided federation, granting states the autonomy
to explore and exploit the vast natural and mineral resources within their
jurisdiction. This autonomy can lead to the creation of employment, wealth, and
a reduction in multidimensional poverty and penury.
The critical question is
whether President Tinubu will have the courage to defy the machinations of the
conscienceless bloc that vehemently opposes restructuring the lopsided
federation. Perhaps he could initiate a national conference of ethnic nationalities
to craft a federal constitution. However, such a move seems doubtful.
By Polycarp Onwubiko, Public
Policy Analyst
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