Attahiru Jega: Nigeria is a failing state, the worst may happen
A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega has claimed that Nigeria is a state that is failing and if nothing is done, the worst may happen to the country.
The former INEC boss, who conducted the 2015 presidential election that then incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan lost, made his claim while talking at the convocation lecture at the Bauchi State University, Gadau, on the theme, ‘Safeguarding Nigeria’s future: Prioritising citizen’s welfare and security amidst challenges’
The professor said, “Our leaders in leadership positions, between now and 2027, we need to put our heads together and have a rational, evidence-based process of restructuring the Nigerian federation, and to my mind the major thing we need to do is devolve power and resources from the federal to the state and local governments.
“Even if all we do is go back to the way power was distributed in the 1963 Constitution, we should do that but I think we should even go beyond that because we need to reduce the power of the Federal Government. In fact, that power of the Federal Government, in which whoever is elected president controls virtually all the resources, beheads the reality.
“There is fear that if more resources go to the states and local governments, given what we see in Nigeria now, many people are afraid that it cannot solve the problems, but my own thinking is that the more power and resources in the state and local governments the less attractive the federal becomes. Then, the more people will concentrate in terms of bringing appropriate reforms and development. It is very important we truly address these issues.”
Jega lamented the state of economy and security of the country. Since Bola Tinubu took over the affairs of the country, it’s been from bad to worse with some decisions he has made which further plunge more millions of Nigerians into poverty.
In contrast, political leaders are lavishing funds, they spend money recklessly on offices, secretariat, travels and vehicles while the citizens wallow in poverty.
“In addition to that, they have raised the cost of governance in such a way that it is a serious challenge that can put Nigeria in jeopardy,” Attahiru Jega added.
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