The letter from the Western Region Organization (WRO) proposing sweeping constitutional amendments under the guise of decentralization raises serious concerns for all well-meaning Nigerians who cherish national unity, patriotism and the sanctity of democracy. While the WRO claims to advocate reforms for governance improvement, their propositions appear divisive, selfish, and detrimental to Nigeria’s collective interest.
2. For us in the League of Northern Democrats, we see the proposal as a direct attempt to undermine our national unity. Nigeria is a diverse yet united entity built on the foundation of mutual respect and shared aspirations. The WRO’s call for regional constitutions and systematic decentralization thus risks reversing the progress we have made in fostering a united Nigeria. By advocating regional governance structures, they revive old wounds of regionalism that once polarized our nation and led to the bloody civil war. The WRO’s notion of decentralization runs counter to the idea of unity in diversity, which has been Nigeria’s strength since independence. A two-tier federal structure, as proposed, will not strengthen the country but instead fragment it into competing regional entities with unequal access to resources and opportunities. The regionalism of the 1950s and 60s caused significant tensions, culminating in the unfortunate events of 1966. Reverting to such a framework ignores the hard lessons of history.
3. For us in the LND, this call is driven purely by selfish motives disguised as national interest. The WRO’s proposals is clearly designed to benefit specific interest groups and regions at the expense of the nation as a whole. For example, the disparity in regional capacities is a point of note. The call for regional governance assumes that all zones are equally equipped with vital infrastructure to handle autonomous development. This is far from the reality, as the economic and infrastructural disparities among regions, such as lack of access to the sea for trade, blue economy and waterways, will only deepen under such a system. Also, proposals like revenue generation and remittance by regions will weaken the federal government and create uneven development. Poorer regions will be left behind, worsening national inequality.
4. The WRO suggests sweeping constitutional amendments, including reducing the exclusive legislative list and introducing proportional representation. While such changes may sound appealing, they are impractical in the current democratic framework and betray a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s political realities. Implementing such amendments will require years of political consensus-building, legislative approval and public referenda. At a time when Nigeria faces urgent economic, security and social challenges, diverting attention to such a divisive overhaul is irresponsible. In addition, the WRO’s critique of the National Assembly undermines the legitimacy of Nigeria’s elected representatives and the democratic process. Sweeping aside the Assembly’s authority to impose their regional agenda is undemocratic.
5. Nigeria’s current pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, insecurity and corruption cannot be solved by constitutional restructuring alone. The WRO’s focus on decentralization distracts from addressing these challenges with practical, actionable solutions. Whatever issues of governance the WRO needs resolved can well be addressed within the current framework. The 1999 Constitution, while not perfect, has provided a workable structure for Nigeria’s democracy. What we need is not radical restructuring but improved implementation, accountability and transparency.
6. Instead of endorsing divisive propositions, we must pursue initiatives that strengthen our democracy and promote inclusive development through the following initiatives:-
• National Integration Programs: Encourage inter-regional cooperation and partnerships in areas like education, infrastructure and security;
• Economic Federalism: Strengthen local governments and states’ capacity to drive development within the existing framework without resorting to such wild constitutional upheavals;
• Citizen Participation: Empower citizens at all levels through education, job creation and robust civil society engagement to build a united and self-sufficient Nigeria.
7. It is therefore our considered view that the WRO’s proposals are not only divisive, selfish and superfluous but also counterproductive to Nigeria’s progress. We therefore reject them as an attempt to fracture our unity under the pretext of decentralization. Instead, we must rally around solutions that promote inclusion, equity and shared prosperity for all Nigerians as we proposed. True patriotism lies not in dismantling the nation’s governance structure but in strengthening it to serve all citizens, regardless of their region or ethnicity. Let us build on what unites us rather than succumb to narrow, parochial interests that risk tearing us apart.
Signed:
Dr. Umar Ardo
Convener, League of Northern Democrats (LND)