By Adeyinka Adeniran
Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, have said, without regionalism, there is no way Nigeria can move forward.
Iba Adams made the disclosure during the 2024 edition of the commemoration of the June 12 1993 elections, organized by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC)
The Yoruba generalissimo said the present situation in the country is as a result of the failures of present leadership to adopt regionalism as the best system of government, insisting that efforts should be made by Nigeria’s leaders to find a way of getting out of the present situation in the country.
Giving the reason for throwing his weight behind regionalism, Adams said the US remains the pride of all nations because of the enduring political culture that had lasted for over three centuries.
“I am making a strong case for regionalism because Nigeria has come a long way. And 64 years in the life of a nation is no joke.
“But it must be stated that without regionalism, there is no way Nigeria can move forward.It is only a fool who does the same thing, over and over again, and expect a different result. It is not going to happen.
“Regionalism gives room for proper planning and cohesion. It enhances healthy rivalry among the regions as well as all tiers of government.
“Regionalism will enhance effective security in Nigeria. It will also drive and encourage both social and economic development in Nigeria.
“In those days, regionalism was part of the agreement made by our founding fathers before the military incursion.The military destroyed the template and set us up for a long and tortuous journey of political retrogression. And up till today, the spirits of our leaders and founding fathers are not happy with the present situation in the country”
“The United States (US) is the most powerful country in the world – politically, economically and military wise. Their ministers are called Secretaries (Secretary of State, Secretary of Defence etc). Let me tell this distinguished audience that there are only 15 Secretaries in the U.S. (just 15 ministers).
“What do we have in Nigeria? With just 36 States, we have close to 50 ministers, doing what? The Atlanta Airport in the United States is one of the most viable in the world. It is not owned by the U.S. government but by Atlanta City Council, a local government”.
Also speaking, the President, Women Arise Initiative, Dr. Okei Odumakin said there is urgent need for fiscal federalism, saying resource control is the best option for the progress of Nigeria.
Odumakin urged President Bola Tinubu to look into the report of the National Confab, saying the report would help in addressing the various challenges faced in the country.
“There is need for the Federal Government to revisit the resolution of confab reports.We must speak up and look into the problems that have taken us aback as a nation.
The Guest Speakers, Prof. Oseni Afisi, a Professor of Philosophy and Director of Special Interventions, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, and Dr. Olanrewaju Hammed from the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos spoke separately on the theme: “Nigeria’s 64 years of Checkered History:The Imperatives of Regionalism/ Restructuring”, said it is very important to address the various structural imbalances hindering the progress of Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s history is replete with various events that had shaped the nation. We must also highlight the rich cultural diversity of Nigeria, however, the problem of ethnicity and significant power struggle had led to the various political instability that have been the bane of Nigeria as a country”, Prof. Afisi stated.
Dr. Olanrewaju Hammed, in his remarks said Nigeria must return to regionalism for it to fulfill the purpose of its nationhood.
“Nigeria has a good prospect of becoming the giant of Africa, but in fulfilling this dream there is need for Nigeria to return to regionalism.”
