Conference of Nigerian Political Parties {CNPP} endorses the convergence of national consensus on the imperative to return Nigeria to a True Federal Republic as distinct from the Unitary System of government being practiced today; hence the clamour and urgency to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Public commentators have queried the inelegant manner in which a Constitution with the tag Federal Republic is structured and chartered along Unitary System of government.
Conference of Nigerian Political Parties {CNPP} endorses the convergence of national consensus on the imperative to return Nigeria to a True Federal Republic as distinct from the Unitary System of government being practiced today; hence the clamour and urgency to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Public commentators have queried the inelegant manner in which a Constitution with the tag Federal Republic is structured and chartered along Unitary System of government.
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It is our considered view that the inherent capacity for True Federalism to accommodate multi-ethnic nationalities and their diversities without undermining national unity; was what made our founding fathers to adopt Federalism in the London Constitutional Conference of 1953.
We accordingly endorse the Bill submitted to the National Assembly by Mr Olisa Agbakoba, {SAN}, the position of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for review of the Revenue Allocation Formula and the agitation of many patriots for True Federalism.
In the said Bill, Agbakoba among others is canvassing for the devolution of powers from Federal to the State Governments; which in essence means devolution of powers from the center to the units in items like health, education, agriculture etc.
On the same trajectory, though from a composite angle, the Nigerian Governors Forum {NGF} posits that, ‘The current formula and allocation of taxes under the constitution have made the states and local governments largely dependent on the Federal Government, a situation that runs counter to the accepted norms of Federalism and which has encumbered their constitutional and statutory commitments.’
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Continuing the NGF said ‘The devolution of more authorities and resources to states and local governments in order to improve responsiveness, ensure greater impact policies and initiatives on the priorities and needs of the citizens will ultimately improve economic and human development ….’
CNPP agrees with the contending views, as you cannot allocate more money to the units without devolving more powers; for the truth of the matter is that Nigeria is not working, the centre is too heavy, indolent and corrupt. Who will bail the cat?
Whereas we page with those who call for Sovereign National Conference {SNC} for the sole purpose to amend this critical segment of our Constitution; however, time is of essence, for as they say you cannot make an omelet without breaking the egg, just as you cannot convoke an SNC democratically without election.
For the avoidance of doubt, with the subsisting national consensus and the zeal of many to devolve powers to units, it is crystal clear from North to South, East to West that it is a win-win scenario; therefore our legislators can exercise this sovereign power on our behalf.
Consequently, for Nigeria to navigate out of functioning anarchy and dangerous slide into a failed state; it becomes incumbent on the National and State Assemblies as a matter of urgent national importance, to skillfully weave together best traditions and vital strands of thoughts on federalism and to alter the 1999 Constitution into a political and legal charter of True Federalism.
Osita Okechukwu
National Publicity Secretary
CNPP
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