In a recent statement, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has spoken against the push for federalism in Nigeria.
He made his views clear during a Senate Committee retreat on Constitutional Review held in Kano.
Ndume argued that federalism is not suitable for Nigeria. He pointed out that only 25 out of 195 countries in the world practice federalism. He believes that if federalism were the best system, more countries would have adopted it.
The Senator stated that the real focus should be on improving governance.
According to Ndume, these values are more important to the people than the type of government system in place.
Ndume also stressed the importance of fairness and the rule of law. He noted that in Nigeria, leaders are often seen as being above the law. He believes this weakens the system and affects the country’s progress.
“Democracy means government of the people, by the people, and decisions should be made for the people. The media would do this country a great service if they downplay issues of constitutional review and instead focus on the main issues of transparency, equity, justice, and accountability—values that the citizens care about, regardless of who governs.”
“If fairness, justice, and equity are achieved, the President and the legislature would not be above the law. But right now, that’s not what is happening in Nigeria. Today, if I speak, they say it’s just Ndume, but I can’t talk to you if I’m not a Senator.”
“Federalism has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you look at countries that have progressed significantly, they have their own systems, which are not necessarily federalism, and they have developed without being overly concerned with federalism,” he said.