The three key words to note in this hereby topic are: United, Regions and Nigeria. Indeed, Nigeria is a sovereign nation-state (in International Relations parlance, Nigeria is not a nation yet, but a nation-state because its people are not of one race, religion and culture). To say the least, if our country: Nigeria, is a homogenous entity, it will surely be referred and regarded from origin as a nation, but it is not; and therefore, could at best be regarded and referred to, as a nation-state. And our founding fathers, and the departing British Colonial masters (in 1960—at her independence) recognized this obvious scenario and its consequences, and therefore fashioned (albeit: accepted in its theme) her first national anthem that encapsulated this reality: “Though both tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” and also, made her a Federation, with its component parts: three at independence named as regions (not states—an anomaly that arose because of Military intervention in its body politic and its undemocratic methods). Summed, we will therefore, hereby, in this write-up, be suggesting that Nigeria should be called: United Regions of Nigeria (URN), after restructuring into regions, as its second tier of government (as it was in her independence and 1963 republican constitutions).
Noteworthy, is the fact, that the component parts (regions) at her independence were true federating entities (units) and practiced true tenets of federalism: regional autonomy in all her socio-economic and political facets (and spheres) of life. There was peace, prosperity and progressive-development at Federal level and its component regions: East, West and North. Eventually, Mid-Western Region was carved-out of the Western Region (in 1964) through constitutional entrenched democratic methodologies. In the East, there was a call for a Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers Region (to be carved-out of the Eastern Region): It comprised the minorities of the Eastern Region, as the newly carved-out Mid-Western region from the Western Region (which also comprised the minorities of the Western Region).
To say the least, the regional-carving-out (from the old three regions) train, was on its democratic track then, until when the military interlopers intervened in the political life of the nation in 1966. Furthermore, in the North, there were calls also for some regions to be carved-out of it, through democratic established measures (as entrenched in the constitution). These new regional calls were for the Middle-Belt Region (which was so vociferous then), and the Borno Region (remembering that the Borno youths were at it –systematically representing the Kanuris on this call). With time, through emplaced democratic-methods, these extra regions (COR, Middle Belt and Borno Area Regions, at least), could have been created, like the Mid-Western Region was created. In all, the extra-regional-creation train was properly on its democratic-locomotive tracks then. And the old regions and the new-calls for extra ones at that time truly represented true components that could have made true federating units, to properly function in a true federation (Federalism).
That means, that before the military juntas imposed states on the old regional and federal structure of Nigeria in 1967, there were established four regions: north, east, west, and Mid-west; and there were fervent calls for three other ones then: Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers, Middle-belt and Borno (area) regions. Meaning that if democratic-procedures were further allowed to be used in reinforcing the physical structure of Nigeria then, seven regions could have been established without equivocations. And they are: North, Middle-Belt, Borno, East, West, Mid-West and Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers Regions. Furthermore, reality could have dawned on the nation later for one more region: the Adamawa (Province) Region. Why? Because, this region was the area that came into Nigeria, through the pre-independence plebiscite on United nations held parts of Cameroon, who were given the option to or not to join Nigeria then: While the Northern part joined Nigeria, the Southern part opted to remain in Cameroon.
So, the Adamawa province areas, have their own distinct regional instincts and desires too, and could have requested the Nigerian nation-state to grant it to them sooner or later. Indeed, the statement made by the Lamido of Adamawa at the 2014 Constitutional Conference (in Abuja), to the fact that if the Nigerian nation does not recognize their unique entrance into Nigeria, and grant them a special status of their own, that they (Adamawa-regional areas) will have no option than to go back to where they came from: Cameroon; made it so clear for all to decipher! To say the least, and in simplified words, Nigeria before and now, stand on an eight (8) regional structure that will surely see her become a true federal structure.
These envisaged eight regions therefore, are: In the North: North West (populated by Hausa/Fulani in the majority); North East (populated by the Kanuris in the majority); Middle Belt (populated by the minorities of the Middle North); North East Central or Adamawa Province Region (populated by the minorities of the North East). In the South: South West (populated by the Yorubas in the majority); South East (populated by the Igbos in the majority); Mid-West (populated by the minorities of the West Niger areas); South-South or Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers Region (populated by the minorities of the East Niger areas). These clearly located and visible areas (regions): before and now, is the truest reality of regionalization and true Federal structure of Nigeria. And they contend on the present Nigeria nation-state to be established without further delay. Indeed, Nigeria’s physical structure should be restructured into these realistic and proper eight (8) regional structures. Their coming-into existence through constitutional entrenchment will surely bring-forth peace, progress and prosperity (real development) to the Nigerian nation-state.
Furthermore, the reality and historical imperative of states in Nigeria could be retained as the third-tier (level) of government in Nigeria. In addition therefore, a maximum of eight states for each region could also be constitutionally sanctioned (for each region), to further bring development and governance nearer to the grassroots of Nigeria. These states (like Mayoral Districts in USA) will still have Governors as their political administrators, while PREMIERS will superintend the regions. The Federal level will have PRESIDENT (through and at the head of a “Collegiate-Presidential System”), presiding at the federal of Government (Please Google this writers name and read his other published papers on this fact). Methinks also, and suggest that the Local Government structure (level) should also be retained as the fourth level (tier) of Government, with Local Government Chairmen at their helms of affairs. In addition, this writer suggests that the fifth level of Government for the “true grassroots-people” of the nation should also be permitted constitutionally: It should be known and regarded as NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITIES (NCs), and are to be lead by those to be called LEADERS. Indeed, states should have powers constitutionally to create Local Government Areas (LGAs) in their states; while Local Governments should have powers also to create Neighbourhood Communities (NCs). This arrangement of having five levels (tiers of government) will make Nigeria its own unique Federal State (country).
The above enumerated (encapsulated) Federal structure when constitutionally entrenched will surely bring government and governance to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria; and will give all citizens and sections of the country a sense of belonging in the socio-economic and political affairs of the Nigerian nation-state. True! Indeed, peace, progress and prosperity (true development) will thenceforth reign in Nigeria.
Surely, the establishment of eight (8) regional structure ( and other levels as encapsulated above); and the entrenchment of a true Fiscal structure (Resource/ Revenue/Financial Derivational regime and sharing formular), will definitely steer the Nigerian nation-state into stability and proper developmental zones (and in all spheres and ramifications). Furthermore, this writer suggests on the Fiscal restructuring aspects, that 50% of the Revenue of the Resources and other financial derivatives (like VAT, Taxes, etc), should be left in the hands and control of the regions (and other component parts where they are sourced); while the Federal Government (level) should retain 50% (but share same equally between it and the regions). This fiscal structure when emplaced will encourage comparative advantage indices amongst the different components (tiers and levels) of the federal structure of the Nigerian nation-state. Meaning, that all component parts will thenceforth seek-out, develop and produce in appreciable quantities, the resources found within their confines—thereby bringing real development, industries and massive employment opportunities in all facets of the different federating components. And surely, regions will explore amongst other positives, developmental goals that fit their needs and aspirations.
Indeed, what we are suggesting and writing-down here is what we think will make Nigeria a unified and united country thenceforth through her diversity (when properly recognized and respected); and should be tried and tested. To say the least, there are fault-lines in our present national status, but with deep understanding and unwavering tolerance of our differences, a great nation, will surely arise. Additionally, for instance, different sections of our country go by and answer ALIASES (and other sobriquets) like: Hausa/Fulanis who want to be known and regarded as ARIWAS; Yorubas want to be known and regarded as ODUDUWAS; Ijaws want to be known and regarded as IZONS; Igbos want to be known (amongst others) as BIAFRANS, etc of other component parts and their ALIASES (Known-Also-As—A.K.A in short). Indeed, they want to be known and regarded with their ALIASES. Presently, many of them in addition, have already fashioned their own flags and other symbols (like coat of arms, etc, which they think represents their existence and aspirations. For instance again, the ARIWAS (Hausa/Fulanis, ODUDUWAS (Yorubas), IZONS (Ijaws), and BIAFRANS (Igbos), just to mention a few, have their flags, coat of arms, and other symbols; and want to retain them , even in a United country called Nigeria. This can be allowed and tolerated for the nation to move forward. In actual fact, in many federating states of the world, their component parts have their flags, coats of arms, and other symbols, plus their nationally recognized ones. This is the case with Canada, USA and Germany (just to mention a few). Indeed, this writer lived in British Columbia in Canada. And while living there, he observed clearly, that British Columbia as a province (state in Nigeria or USA), which is a component part or region in Canada have their own flag, coat of arms, etc. like other provinces or regions of Canada; and also allows their “Maple –Leaf” National flag of Canada to exist supremely with their regional (provincial) flag. This indeed, seemingly happens in many federal states too, that practice true federalism. In this regard, if our country (Nigeria), wants to forge-ahead, as a way forward, we should permit some sectional idiosyncrasies (sentiments) to exist: so that we can systematically and eventually build a unified country. Indeed, strong sectional sentiments, when allowed to exist with established national norms and ethos, could eventually help to build a strong federalism (like we have visibly seen in Canada, for instance). In essence, the ARIWAS (Hausa/Fulanis), ODUDUWAS (Yorubas), IZONS (Ijaws), and Biafrans (Igbos), and other envisaged regions, could be allowed to retain their regional flags, coat of arms, etc of their sentimentally-held sectional symbols, and still belong to a United Nigerian nation. For everlasting peace and sense of belonging to reign amongst the component parts of our country in general, this kind of give-and-take principles could be allowed (and be positively built-on) for a United Nigerian nation to subsist. This is a deeply thought-out suggestion of this writer. Methinks it should be given a chance for peace to thoroughly reign in our country. Indeed, if allowing the regions to have their own flags and other symbols will foster true federalism (like in other mentioned federal nations in the world), then our country (Nigeria) should constitutionally permit it (remembering that “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”—wordings of our first and independence national anthem—which methinks patriotically, we should revert back to).
Not wanting to make this write-up longer, please Google and read this writer’s other published papers on restructuring and measures that will help Nigeria’s way forward. But permit us to add hereby, in our perspective here, the words of Alhaji Atiku abubakar (former Vice President of Nigeria) while brainstorming on why Nigeria should restructure before it is too late for her to do so. His words are that Nigeria should stop the “oil rent economy and feeding bottle federalism.” Further, he asserted that we should “return the resources and power back to the local level and from the elite to the people,” because “our national wealth is being drained by a select few instead of building a country of all of us.” Also, we shall paraphrase the words of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN)—the founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University: He painstakingly asserted that Nigeria should immediately restructure, in revenue sharing, free trade, and that the federal level and its regions should explore religious, cultural and developmental goals that fit their needs. Also, permit us to quote in detail, the words of Chief Guy Ikokwu (in The Sun of Sunday 13th August 2017), while contributing to the restructuring debate in Nigeria currently. His words in this respect are: “We are not moving forward; we are moving backward (with our present form of federalism). And our native culture says that if we are on a road and you do not know where you are going, turn back. The truth is that Nigeria has being going to a destination that is not certain and clear, which is leading into precipice. And the only thing that can be done rationally now is, to brake and reverse (back to regionalization and true federalism) and find the true road, where we are going.”
Indeed, Nigeria need to be restructured physically (structurally) and fiscally (in Resource/Revenue Derivation and Distribution), if we must move forward developmentally and otherwise. True! The words of wisdom, as posited above by respected and named national personalities (and others), including the strident call of Chief Emeka Anyaoku (former Commonwealth Secretary General) on the need to restructure urgently, should be respected, obeyed and implemented.
Nigeria is a natural eight (8) region country: And this is the truth and nothing but the truth!!! The eight (8) regions (as encapsulated here), four in the North and four in the south, are North West (predominantly populated by Hausa/Fulani), North East (predominantly populated by Kanuris and others), North Central or Middle Belt (predominantly populated by the minorities of the North Central), and North East Central or Adamawa province (predominantly populated by the minorities of the North East; and in the South: South West (predominantly populated by Yorubas), South East (predominantly populated by Igbos), Mid-West (predominantly populated by the minorities of the South West), and South or Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers Region (predominantly populated by the minorities of the South East. These regions will be led by PREMIERS, and will serve as the second level (tier) of government, after the Federal level—which will be the first tier and will be lead by a PRESIDENT (who will emerge from a COLLEGIATE PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM—made up of the Regional PREMIERS). States led by GOVERNORS will be serving as the third level (tier) of government. The Local Government Areas (LGAs) led by CHAIRMEN will serve as the fourth level of Government; while the fifth level of Government called NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITIES (NCs), at the true grassroots level, will be led by those to be called LEADERS. Indeed, these five (fingers) levels (tiers) of Government, will make Nigeria its own unique Federal State (Federalism); and will surely make it a functional and development-achieving socio-economic and political Federal structure. Emphasized: “Definitely, it will be an achievement-oriented Federal structure.” It will uplift Nigeria! It will make us a UNITED REGIONS OF NIGERIA (URN)!!
Addendum: Quote this writer, if Nigeria restructures into eight (8) regions and gives them appreciable Political and Fiscal autonomy, insurgency, militancy and separatist agitations will drastically reduce to the barest minimum (indeed may totally stop). Even Religious Bigotry will also stop in areas it rears its ugly head—like the North East (especially in Kanuri localities). Indeed, the underlining (undiscussed historical linkage) cause of the Boko Haram phenomenon is subtle kanuri “religious resistance” of the domineering visibility of Fulani Islam-leadership of the Northern parts of Nigeria. As a student of History, ancient History encapsulated the Kanuri (Bornu Empire’s) resistance of the Fulani hegemony in Islamization in Nigeria. Even in politics of Nigeria, the kanuris have always wanted to be seen and felt as a distinct part of Northern Nigeria (albeit: subtly and vociferous sometimes—remembering the activities of the Bornu youths in the First republic; Ibrahim Waziri’s GNPP in the second Republic and APP’s total membership and dominance there—starting from 1999 democratic outings). Therefore, let there be a region in the North East (and other keenly identified areas in this write-up); and subtle or aggressive insurgency, militancy and other cloaked agitations (politically, economically, socially and religiously) will totally stop. And thereafter, a unified and united country, known and called: UNITED REGIONS OF NIGERIA (URN) will surely emerge.
In all, every house (Nigeria equated here) needs restructuring (albeit: continuous maintenance, retouching, redesigning, repainting at least, etc) from time to time, to survive the vagaries of the elements of time and changing weather conditions. To allow any house (Nigeria equated here) without necessary re-conditioning (restructuring), will make it to go into dereliction and therefore become either dangerous for human habitation or go into total disuse (spoliation). To say the least, wise people do not allow this to happen to their properties. In essence, our country (Nigeria) needs “restructuring-maintenance-reconditioning-redesigning” for her to stand strong for future challenges and survivals; and also remain excellent for its citizenry’s (and other’s) habitation. This is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The way travelled by the defunct Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, etc, may not be the best for the most populous African country. Regionalization is it! Unification based on this will indeed be the best survival strategy going forward!! Methinks so, and this is my own contribution towards the “way forward” in our present national quagmire that stares us eyeball-to-eyeball. Who blinks first? My take: A Restructured Nigeria (physically and fiscally) will surely see her in a positive-quantum-lip in her socio-political indices, and will surely nudge her forward towards an uncontestable progressive-development. Quote me!!!
Written by Ejike Kingsley Osuji
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