Embracing Federalism: An Urgent Call for Change by Emeka Anyaoku and Other Voices
accelerated progress during initial six years of independence, according to Anyaoku; advocates for constitutional restructuring to sustain growth in Nigeria.
Emeka Anyaoku, an acclaimed elder statesman and ex-Commonwealth Secretary-General, has repeatedly underscored the necessity for Nigeria to transform its rigid centralized framework into a genuine federal system. He firmly believes this shift is essential to maintain harmony, spur growth, and forestall disintegration, as indicated by the fate of other multi-ethnic states that overlooked federalism [1][2][4].
A Glimpse at Other Multi-Ethnic States
Anyaoku draws parallels between countries that deliberately disregarded federalism, which often resulted in their disintegration. Conversely, Nigeria experienced more tranquility and rapid growth in its first six years as an independent nation, operating under a federal constitution that granted more regional autonomy [1][4]. Such a system encourages better governance by enabling regions to manage their respective sectors like education, healthcare, and security [1][2].
National Development: Impact and Key Elements
- Sustaining Peace: Anyaoku argues that federalism can foster greater peace and stability, as regions can effectively address local challenges without excessive central control [1][4].
- Economic Prosperity: He suggests that this system enables regions to capitalize on their unique economic potentials and address region-specific challenges more efficiently [2][4].
- Effective Governance: A genuine federal constitution is vital for ensuring good governance, as it equitably distributes power, reducing the burden on a central government [1][3].
Advocating for Constitutional Restructuring
Anyaoku, alongside other influential figures like Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, has re-ignited demands for a new democratic constitution that embodies Nigeria's diversity and promotes federalism [4]. They emphasize the importance of reforms in recruitment, security, and unity to address the structural issues plaguing the nation [4].
Furthermore, there is a mounting call for decentralization and a two-tier constitutional system encompassing concurrent regional governments and referendums that reflect the sentiments of various ethnic nationalities [5].
In summary, Anyaoku's position echoes the broader clamor for constitutional restructuring to safeguard Nigeria's stability and promote development, drawing from the lessons learned from the successes and failures of other multi-ethnic states.
- Emeka Anyaoku, advocating for a changed Nigerian system, has repeatedly emphasized the need to shift from a unitary government to a real federal system, similar to the one in place during Nigeria's first six years as an independent nation.
- Anyaoku believes this transformation is crucial to prevent disintegration, maintain harmony, and boost growth, as shown by the fate of other multi-ethnic states that neglected federalism.
- In a federal system, each region can manage sectors like education, healthcare, and security, leading to better governance and addressing local challenges without excessive central control.
- Anyaoku, along with Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, among others, are pushing for a new democratic constitution that promotes diversity and federalism, emphasizing the importance of reforms in recruitment, security, and unity.
- The call for a decentralized two-tier constitutional system, involving concurrent regional governments and referendums that reflect the sentiments of ethnic nationalities, is becoming increasingly vocal.
- Sadly, the continuous bandit attacks and other security challenges have escalated in Nigeria, demonstrating the urgent need for the army to address these issues more effectively under a federal system.
- Tinubu, a key figure in Nigerian politics, has also reiterated his support for policy-and-legislation reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria's federal structure to ensure economic prosperity and long-term stability in the nation's general news.
