Professor Attaihiru Jega, a former head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called Nigeria a failed state.
Jega bemoaned the enormous expense of maintaining the nation’s presidential system of governance but opposed the present drive by some for a parliamentary one.
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According to him, decentralisation of power to the states and local governments and a reduction in federal power were needed for Nigeria’s progress.
“The federal government’s power must be reduced because it gives the elected President complete control over all resources,” he said.
At the inaugural convocation lecture (which included the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades) of Bauchi State University, Gadau, on Friday, he made the claim.
The ruling elite was accused of careless spending and power abuse by the previous head of INEC.
“Safeguarding Nigeria’s Future: Prioritising Citizens Welfare and Security Amidst Challenges” was the subject of the political scientist’s speech.
Prominent Nigerians, including Professor Ango Abdullahi and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, were present for the convocation lecture.
According to Jega, Nigeria was on the verge of collapse due to the careless use of power by the political elite, particularly the state and federal executive branches.
He bemoaned the fact that instead of erecting institutions, the ruling class had usurped power and destroyed them.
“On top of that, they have increased the expense of governance to the point where even an uncontrolled cost of governance poses a significant risk that could endanger Nigeria,” the speaker cautioned.
“There are mechanisms and controls that ensure sanity in terms of expenditure control and some penalty that detracts from a tendency to be profligate in terms of expenditure, even in the United States, which operates the Presidential system of government.”
The former head of INEC said that in order to protect the nation’s future, the high expense of governance needed to be addressed.
He argued that policy choices to reduce the expense of governance would determine whether constitutional revisions were necessary.
“I am making this statement because it seems that a faction within the elite is currently advocating for the restoration of the parliamentary system,” he said.
“I believe that something horrible has happened to my mind.”You began with a parliamentary system, switched to a presidential system, and now that you’re struggling, you believe returning to a parliamentary system would be the best course of action.
Returning to a parliamentary system would be detrimental and would not address the root reason of the profligacy in governance, according to his opinion.
“It is crucial that we pay attention to this because the issue is that we have a presidential system that is coagulated and does not adopt the best practices of other presidential systems worldwide.”
He claimed that the nation had headed towards economic collapse due to a confluence of deteriorating morals and poor leadership.
“I don’t think Nigeria is a failing state, but we have to acknowledge that it is, and if we put it in danger and don’t protect it, then the worst can happen.” He thought that academics had a critical role to play in helping the nation escape its current predicament.
“We have a major responsibility as academics whose business is research and analysis,” he said.
“However, in order to address it, our leaders must genuinely make an effort to comprehend these dynamics and identify constructive engagement strategies.”
Regarding restructuring, Jega suggested that in order to avoid losing out on a significant opportunity, a lot of work has to be done before pursuing structural reforms.
He stated: “My argument is that we need to get together and have an evidence-based, rational process of restructuring the Nigerian federation between now and 2027.”
“In my opinion, the most important thing we can do is to transfer authority and funds from the federal level to state and local governments. Even if all that amounts to is a return to the resource allocation practices of the 1960s, it is still a necessary step.
“I firmly believe that we ought to go beyond that in order to curtail the authority of the federal government.”
According to him, the risk associated with federal power stems from the idea that it is being utilised by one group against another.
Particularly in light of the current state of affairs in Nigeria, where more authority and resources are going to state and local governments, many people fear that these governments would not be able to address the issue.
“However, my personal opinion is that as states and local governments gain authority and funding, the federal government loses appeal, and many individuals will focus on advancing state and local development.”
The former head of INEC also suggested that the ruling class figure out how to lessen their excessive reliance on oil money.
He urged the ruling class to increase productivity in agriculture and related businesses and to provide job possibilities for the hordes of young people who are unemployed.
Additionally, we must make sure that the manufacturing sector is improved.
“If a nation cannot sufficiently consume its domestic market, it cannot develop.
“Nigeria’s situation, where almost everything is imported, is a recipe for disaster and could put our nation in danger,” the speaker stated.
The distinguished academic contended that the state exists, among other reasons, to provide for the safety, well-being, and fundamental requirements of its people.
In actuality, a country cannot exist without the institutional framework that supports its citizens’ security, welfare, and human rights.
In the current setting, any state that is unable to accomplish this will be viewed as having failed.
“Given the resources at its disposal, the state ought to possess the ability and proficiency to tackle security issues and to genuinely triumph in doing so.
“In this situation, the Nigerian government must fulfil its duties to its people, as it is not doing so at the moment.
“But, the people must also understand that they have a duty as citizens to their nation and, as such, must play a vital part in confronting the present and defending Nigeria’s future.
“It is not helpful that individuals are retiring and adopting the “Sidon look.”
“They will ultimately ruin everyone’s future if they just watch the polecat class do its own thing.”
Therefore, constructive engagement is crucial, and citizens have a good role to play in both good and bad times to ensure that their country survives and that good things happen that benefit regular residents.
“In the end, holding honest elections is the greatest approach to protect Nigeria’s future and ensure the welfare of its people.
“Good politics and their elected representatives who have the positive values and orientation in the governance processes and institutions and who will harness societal resources and quality services will be brought about through an electoral process that is not captured by reckless politicians.”
“The state will only possess the necessary legitimacy, stability, competence, and capacity—as well as ingenuity—to meet the needs of the populace and protect the county’s future in this manner,” he continued.
