From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
A thorough review of the constitution is key to solving many socio-political and economic crises facing Nigeria, a former Sports and Youths Development Minister Bala Ka’oje has said.
The ex-minister also suggested solutions to many other national challenges in a statement yesterday in Abuja.
He advised the Federal Government to devolve more powers to the states, especially in the face of the worsening security in the land.
“Today, because of the mistakes of the past, many things are falling apart, for which solutions must be sought quickly. Nigeria has come a long way since Independence and things appear to be falling out of place or becoming difficult to manage.
“Governance …seems to be demanding some panel-beating and change. This is achievable through the conduct of a national conference to be organised by the President.
“There should be an assemblage of egg-heads from constitutional experts, political scientists and highly experienced technocrats to come up with the modalities.
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“What is needed to be done is the exercise of re-jigging the 1999 Constitution acceptable by all and ushering in a new direction in the governance of the nation from the new leadership that will emerge in 2023 general elections,” Ka’oje said.
The ex-minister said the nation had deteriorated in the past few years as many states are unable to pay salary and accomplish some constitutional tasks.
“This clearly shows that the time has come for us to change our governance style by seriously re-jigging our constitution through a national conference.
“Look at and review the exclusive list and other areas to devolve powers in the interest of the stability of our nation. I believe we can do the required arithmetic and still have a reasonable funding going to the centre, while the Niger Delta states retain 50 per cent resources to continue to develop their states with no statutory, but discretionary funding from the centre.
“The weak states can continue to receive bailouts from the centre for at least 15 years, as they work hard to explore the resources available in their states to build the economy towards standing on their feet and being self- sufficient and self-reliant states,” he said.
The APC chieftain noted that Nigeria attained independence in 1960 with different leaders as heads of state and presidents, yet the country has been unable to sufficiently stimulate high-level productivity and development.
Nigeria, he added, is acknowledged across the world as one of the most endowed nations.
Ka’oje regretted that successive governments had not done enough to make the nation realise its full potential.
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