Retooling the Nigeria State

There seems to be a national consensus on the need for the restructuring, retooling and re-engineering of the Nigeria State but the modalities for its retooling remain a point of divergence.

Significantly, there are at least four school of thoughts on the subject matter. A school of thought is of the view that the Nigeria entity is an unmanageable entity as a result of certain irreconcilable differences. Proponents of such school of thought include the likes of Nnamdi Kanu and Femi Fani Kayode, among others. The conclusion of these people is that everybody should go his own separate ways no matter the cost.

Another school of thought is of the view that the Nigeria State is still a manageable entity. It is a project worth working on but which requires a retooling. Some of the proponents believed referendum and plebiscite is the way out. Thus without a sovereign national conference, the Nigeria entity will remain a myriad.

There is however those who believed that the Nigeria State is a manageable entity and needs restructuring which can be achieved through constitutional amendment as encapsulated by the members of the National Assembly and some elites. These set of people are those who are benefiting from the system and who not will not be willing to part with the golden pot. So they serve the common man with piece meal restructuring.

Finally, there are those who believed that restructuring of the political structure is not the way out but restructuring of the mode of governance and mindsets because no matter how much we restructure the country, if our greedy nature remain then we are going no where.

My take is that restructuring the Nigeria State is not negotiable, if it is not done now, it is mere postponement of the days of evil. Equally important is the need to strengthen our institutions to promote good governance; and reorientation of our individual mindsets.

To restructure the country, it cannot be overnight affairs if the fears of those who feel threatened is to be allayed. For instance, I will say complete devolution of resources to States cannot be sudden. It could be made progressive for example from 30% now to 50% in five years time, 50% to 75% in 10 years time and 100% in 15 years time.

This gradual devolution will ensure development of the supposed disadvantaged States in the country.

Added to this is right leadership and active followers that will hold the leaders accountable at all times.