Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for the devolution of power and resources to state and local governments as a strategic approach to managing the country’s resources more effectively and addressing the ongoing economic challenges. He highlighted the necessity for Nigeria to reduce the competition for resources at the central government level, thereby enabling states and local governments to manage their resources more efficiently.
Speaking through a representative, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, the former Governor of Niger State, at the public presentation of “Court and Politics” by Dr. Umar Ardo, Obasanjo emphasized the significance of restructuring the country’s governance model to foster better productivity and resource management. The book explores the intertwined nature of politics and judicial processes in Nigeria, drawing from Ardo’s personal experiences.
Obasanjo pointed out that despite practising the presidential system for 24 years, the crucial step forward is to ensure that power and resources are more evenly distributed across the different tiers of government. This, he believes, will lead to a more effective governance model that can catalyze development and mitigate the economic crisis attributed to mismanagement and a lack of productivity.
The event also featured discussions on the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly concerning electoral outcomes. Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Chairman of the book launch committee, criticized the judiciary’s reliance on technicalities rather than substantive facts in adjudicating electoral disputes. He argued that this practice has significantly contributed to the current political and electoral challenges facing the country.
Gabam called for unity and boldness among Nigerians in advocating for systemic reforms. He stressed that succumbing to fear would not yield the desired change, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement with the authorities to ensure good governance.
The call for decentralization and a more equitable distribution of power and resources, as advocated by Obasanjo, reflects a growing consensus on the need for structural reforms in Nigeria’s governance framework to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation.