Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has criticized Nigeria’s federalism model, describing it as an aberration. He argued that the current system, where only the federal government can create local governments, undermines the principles of federalism and state autonomy.
Diri made this assertion while delivering a lecture titled “Rethinking Our Future: The Need For True Federalism and Economic Renaissance” at the University of Nigeria’s 64th Founders’ Day Lecture in Nsukka, Enugu.
The governor emphasized that states should have the constitutional right to create and legislate on local governments in a truly federal structure. He also stressed the need for resource control, advocating that states should manage their resources and contribute a percentage to the federal government, according to Nigerian Tribune.
Diri expressed concerns about Nigeria’s current governance structure, which he believes has left oil-producing communities impoverished despite being the backbone of the country’s economy. He further advocated for state police, citing recent security concerns in Rivers and Bayelsa states.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, emphasizing that it can only be sustained through equity, justice, and fairness. He called for a paradigm shift to unlock the country’s potential and ensure a prosperous future.
The University of Nigeria’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, highlighted the significance of the event, which celebrates the institution’s founding fathers, led by the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Diri’s lecture has sparked discussions on the need for true federalism and economic renaissance in Nigeria.
His words: “We are all aware of the ongoing conversation around the issue of autonomy of local governments. My concern over this sensitive subject is beyond the question of autonomy and more about the rationale for their creation. The current system, which allocates funds based on the number of local governments, puts some states, especially Bayelsa with just eight, at a disadvantage. This disparity arises because states with more local governments receive a larger chunk of resources, regardless of their specific requirements or financial strength.
“Since the Constitution exclusively recognises states and the federal government as federating units, the federal government’s creation of local governments constitutes an aberration, undermining the principles of federalism and state autonomy. The Constitution’s clear delineation of federal and state powers renders the federal government’s creation of local governments incongruous, as local governance falls within the purview of state authority. My take on addressing this issue is enforcing states’ autonomy to create local government areas tailored to their unique needs and financial capacity to do so.
“In the context of Nigeria, the term “true federalism” has become a rallying cry for those seeking autonomy, resource control, addressing issues of marginalisation and good governance. It is about moving away from a system that can properly be described as “unitary federalism” or a “federation without federalism”.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I wholeheartedly support the Nigerian state and its continuous unity and existence. However, I recognise that, like any nation, we strive for a more perfect union. A union where diversity is celebrated, equity is ensured and opportunities are accessible to all.
“Consequently, we must rethink our future and build a political culture where the promise of federalism is not a mere illusion of unity, but a powerful catalyst that drives our passion for success and unlocks untapped potential.”
