Explainer: What Is Restructuring And Why Are Nigerians Asking For It Ahead Of 2023 Elections?
Since Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999, there has been a growing call for restructuring. Some have called it a return to true federalism, while others have opposed the call.
But what does restructuring really means, and what difference will it bring to Nigeria’s current democracy?
Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963, three years after gaining independence. Until 1966, Nigeria practised true federalism as more power was concentrated in the regions.
Before the creation of states, Nigeria was divided into regions: Northern, Western, mid-western and Eastern.
For example, Obafemi Awolowo established free education and free healthcare in the west as the premier of the region.
All the regions were politically and economically independent as they were allowed to use their natural resources for regional development.
On January 15, 1966, a military coup ended Nigeria’s democratic system, and in its place, a military regime was installed.
Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed the role of head of state. His first action was to suspend the constitution.
He then issued Public Order Decree No 33, which dissolved eighty-one political associations and twenty-six tribal and cultural associations.
Ironsi then introduced the unitary system of government and abolished regionalism through Decree 34.
In a speech on January 28, 1966, Ironsi said: “All Nigerians want an end to regionalism. Tribal loyalties and activities which promote tribal consciousness and sectional interests must give way to the urgent task of national reconstruction. The Federal Military Government will preserve Nigeria as one strong nation.”
Although the military regime of Yakubu Gowon repealed Decree 34 on August 31, 1966, a large section of it remains till today.
In 2014, the Goodluck Jonathan administration organised the National Conference. Part of the recommendations was the establishment of more states so that each geopolitical zones would have the same number of states.
The report recommended that states should take control of mineral resources and pay taxes to the federal government.
The confab also said the federal government should leave policies on education, health, transportation, and road infrastructure to the states.
Another recommendation was the call for establishing a state police force, local government police, community-neighbourhood police, and a Federal Police Force.
The confab also recommended that “the office of President shall rotate between the North and the south and amongst the six (6) geo-political zones (i) The office of the Governor shall rotate among the three (3) Senate Districts in that state. (ii) The office of Chairman of a Local Government Council shall rotate within the Local Government Area”.
The recommendations of the confab have not been executed.
If Nigeria is restructured, there will likely be healthy economic competition between the federating units which will help each region to grow.
