IBRAHIM MUSTAPHA PAMBEGUA
Though, the 2023 general election is still far away, what is trending and has become the topic of discussion in the political space among the political ruling elite is “restructuring”. Mind you, the issue of restructuring did not start now and will not stop in the near future. The reason is not far-fetched. Since 1960 when Nigeria got its independence, there were various reforms introduced by government to suit the tastes of the country and its people.
From parliamentary democracy to military government and the constitutional democracy which the country operated, attempts were made to resolve or address knotty national issues such as fiscal federalism, census dispute, state police, and secession threat, among others. However, the issue that continues to generate heated debate in public parleys and organized conferences is “fiscal federalism” which centres on revenue generation and sharing.
The revenue formula seemed to have been structured to favour the federal government which corners 52.68%; states take 26.72% while local governments are left with 20.60%. These lopsided or skewed revenue allocations have put the center on a collision course with the subordinate units which calls for further review to bridge the wide disparity.
The revenue allocation formula with its attendant disparity has continued to fuel disagreements or frictions between the federal government and the federating units. There is also an unresolved issue of revenue generation with many oil producing states advocating or demanding for total resource control.
The debate of resource control was further triggered or brought to the fore by Zamfara State. Zamfara State is blessed with abundant “gold” deposits which are being illegally explored by locals in connivance with the foreigners. I have learnt that, recently, the state government has entered into partnership with the CBN in the area of gold mining.
The story, however, did not go down well with the South-South state governors. To them, Zamfara State is indirectly controlling its resources while theirs is being shared. Disturbed by the misinterpretation of the reasons of Zamfara/CBN deal, Governor Bello Matawalle came out to clarify the issues. He said the deal was under the agricultural support programme of CBN. Moreover, the state has no absolute control of its resources which is within the purview of federal government.
Added to the restructuring list is the issue of state police; the rise of insecurity across the country has forced state governments to call for the establishment of state police. Not long ago, in the South-West, a security outfit codenamed Amotekun was established to complement federal government security outfits in the region. The launch of Amotekum has since created bickering with federal government which has vowed not to recognize it. Unless our defective federalism is critically examined and all factors that inhibit its workability expunged; the debate on “restructuring” will never stop.
However, some political pundits are of the view that, our politicians are using “restructuring” for political reasons. The issue becomes prominent and resurrects ahead of the 2023 general election in other to woo voters or electorates. This assertion is not far from the truth given the chameleon nature of our politicians. They tell you something today and change it tomorrow.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola recently stirred the hornets’ nest with his call on the need for his party, the APC), to respect its zoning arrangements. Fashola’s appeal came amidst rumours that the APC will not zone its presidential candidate to the South-West. The issue of zoning or power rotation has continued to be a thorn in the flesh of many political parties in the country.
Mamman Daura, an influential northern oligarchy, had advocated for a presidency that is based on competence. Daura bared his mind when he granted an interview to the BBC Hausa Service. He frowned at zoning arrangements, arguing it won’t solve the country’s multi-facet problems. Governor El-Rufai is also among the proponents of merit-based president before he made a sudden U-turn and supported a South-West presidency. Zoning or whichever name you call it, was first entrenched in the PDP before it was discarded.
For refusing to adhere to power rotation principle, the PDP which was once a ruling party suffered a heavy defeat in the 2015 election. Whether the APC will learn a lesson or not, only time will tell. But Nigerians should ignore the call for restructuring or zoning. They should look for a credible candidate who will fix the country’s numerous problems such as: insecurity, unemployment and worsening economy.
*Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua writes from Kaduna State.