On the 1st of October 1960, the entity known as Nigeria was proclaimed independent, free from colonial shackles. As anticipated by nationalism bigwigs, Nigeria practised a federalist system with three regions, Western, Eastern, and Northern, as federating units and each being quite semi-autonomous.
This pattern was sustained until 1966 when the republic was flushed out in a military coup. And further, with the creation of states in 1967, 1976…, Nigeria found itself in what is today 36 federating states and yet, regions are clamouring for more.
However, from a comparative point of view, Nigeria seem to have advantages in reverting back to the first republic system other than what obtains today.
Enumerated below are reasons why a regional government is a pro to Nigeria’s existence;
1. Administrative cost
Not many states in Nigeria could boast of a free-sail 2015/2016 in terms of remuneration of workers and until now, many have down tool in protest of non-payment of their salaries. In an article read some years ago, it was affirmed that the about 11,000 workforce of Osun State is larger than the 9,000 that catered for the whole Western. A reversal to this set up would not only cut administrative cost but solve more industrial unrest.
2. Unity in unity
In the regional setting, it the case of ‘we’ for ‘we’. The regions united as one and spoke with one voice. Going back to this system will improve unity in the country.
3. Strong and viable regions
In a regional government, just as it was experienced in the 60’s, the region will be more viable. In the true sense of its conception a region can exist in strong terms such that it would be able to negotiate diplomatic deals with countries.
4. Weak central
As it obtains now, the federal government remains the alpha and omega of the country. However in a federal system with less split entities, the regions are carried along in decision making and sometimes have greater stakes than the federal government.
5. Effective Civil Service
Nigeria currently has a big civil service with a non-commensurate output. A re-jig of the nation’s political setting would redress this.
6. Better management of resources
Some states are laden with natural and unexploited resources. On one part, due to negligence and sometimes due to the huge finance involved in tapping into it. Osun State has about 4 natural waterfalls, only one is known to people. Oyo, Kaduna, Niger and many other states also have natural and tourist resources yet untapped. A more decisive regional government will make better use of these.
7. Reduction in crisis
With a well-structured regional federalism, everyone in a region will see themselves as one and treat outsiders as such. There will be less internal and inter-tribal wars and clashes.
On the other hand, regionalism may be a dangerous adventure in that it will:
1. Breed secessionist spirit
2. More cultural tussle and maybe, wars.
3. Bring about polarized divisions.
4. Breed regional godfathers like the Akintola, Awolowo, Azikwe, Balewa of those times
5. Lastly, it will bring about ethnic political parties.
This pattern was sustained until 1966 when the republic was flushed out in a military coup. And further, with the creation of states in 1967, 1976…, Nigeria found itself in what is today 36 federating states and yet, regions are clamouring for more.
However, from a comparative point of view, Nigeria seem to have advantages in reverting back to the first republic system other than what obtains today.
Enumerated below are reasons why a regional government is a pro to Nigeria’s existence;
1. Administrative cost
Not many states in Nigeria could boast of a free-sail 2015/2016 in terms of remuneration of workers and until now, many have down tool in protest of non-payment of their salaries. In an article read some years ago, it was affirmed that the about 11,000 workforce of Osun State is larger than the 9,000 that catered for the whole Western. A reversal to this set up would not only cut administrative cost but solve more industrial unrest.
2. Unity in unity
In the regional setting, it the case of ‘we’ for ‘we’. The regions united as one and spoke with one voice. Going back to this system will improve unity in the country.
3. Strong and viable regions
In a regional government, just as it was experienced in the 60’s, the region will be more viable. In the true sense of its conception a region can exist in strong terms such that it would be able to negotiate diplomatic deals with countries.
4. Weak central
As it obtains now, the federal government remains the alpha and omega of the country. However in a federal system with less split entities, the regions are carried along in decision making and sometimes have greater stakes than the federal government.
5. Effective Civil Service
Nigeria currently has a big civil service with a non-commensurate output. A re-jig of the nation’s political setting would redress this.
6. Better management of resources
Some states are laden with natural and unexploited resources. On one part, due to negligence and sometimes due to the huge finance involved in tapping into it. Osun State has about 4 natural waterfalls, only one is known to people. Oyo, Kaduna, Niger and many other states also have natural and tourist resources yet untapped. A more decisive regional government will make better use of these.
7. Reduction in crisis
With a well-structured regional federalism, everyone in a region will see themselves as one and treat outsiders as such. There will be less internal and inter-tribal wars and clashes.
On the other hand, regionalism may be a dangerous adventure in that it will:
1. Breed secessionist spirit
2. More cultural tussle and maybe, wars.
3. Bring about polarized divisions.
4. Breed regional godfathers like the Akintola, Awolowo, Azikwe, Balewa of those times
5. Lastly, it will bring about ethnic political parties.