By Bayode Ogunmupe
Herewith is my memorandum on true federalism in Nigeria. One, the six geopolitical zones should be transformed into states. For example, the six states of the southwest should become one state. Present states should become local governments while current local government areas LGAs should become Area Councils. Two, derivation should be abolished. States may only pay tax to the Federal government of Nigeria (FGN). Three, there should be state police and state prisons. They should coexist with federal police and prisons.
Four, zones turned states should be the federating units. Five, States should pay taxes to FGN. Revenue allocation should be abolished. Six, we should continue with presidential system but the legislature should be on part-time. Seven, there should be independent candidates. The Land Use Act should be removed from the Constitution. States must own land and the mineral resources in their land. Nine, local governments are administrative units of the states. LGAs should never be autonomous.
Ten, no rotation, the electorate shall determine that by vote. Eleven, states should exclusively own, exploit and tap the natural resources in their domain and just pay tax to the FGN. Twelve, the legislature should be part-time save the few principal officers on full time. Thirteen, the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct presidential and National Assembly elections only. The state electoral commissions to conduct governorship, state assembly, local government and Area Council elections. The presidential election victories should be determined through electoral votes like in the USA.
Fourteen, we should have a Bill of Rights similar to the one in the Constitution of Canada. Moreover, like in the United Kingdom, there should be a referendum clause, whereby any state wishing to exit Nigeria could do so via a 70 percent yes vote in a referendum.
Sincerely yours,
Chief Bayode Ogunmupe,
Economics columnist,
The Guardian, Lagos, Nigeria.
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