….Calls for return to true federalism to fast-track Nigeria’s development
A public affairs analyst, Dr. Chigozie Anarado, has stressed that Nigeria’s democracy will remain weak and underdeveloped until real power and resources are devolved from the centre to the federating units.
Dr. Anarado made this assertion while speaking as a guest on the Enugu Television (ETV) discussion programme, SPOTLIGHT, where he examined the topic, “Devolution as a Pathway to Rescuing Real Democracy: Nigeria’s Example”, and monitored by EnuguDaily.net.
According to him, the over-centralization of power in Abuja since the 1966 military intervention has stifled growth, weakened democratic institutions, and eroded citizens’ faith in the democratic process.
“Before the military incursion, Nigeria practised a true federal system that allowed the regions to control their resources and contribute to the centre. But since the military imposed a unitary structure, everything became controlled from Abuja. This has slowed our progress and crippled innovation at the state and local levels,” Anarado stated.
He explained that the imbalance in Nigeria’s power structure — where the federal government controls the police, natural resources, and over 60 items on the exclusive legislative list — has left states and local governments dependent, unable to deliver meaningful development to their people.
Anarado argued that such concentration of authority at the centre fuels political desperation, elite manipulation, and mass poverty, adding that the situation undermines the very essence of democracy.
“The struggle for control of the centre is the root cause of political instability and electoral violence. Everyone wants to ‘connect to the centre’ because that’s where power and money reside. True democracy cannot thrive under such a system,” he said.
The analyst observed that the current structure discourages smaller political parties, fosters one-party dominance, and prevents states from exploring their economic potential. He pointed out that if states were allowed to control their resources — such as agriculture, solid minerals, and internal revenues — competition and creativity would flourish.
“Every region has comparative advantages. If devolution is implemented, the North will develop its vast arable land, the South-South and Southeast will maximize oil, gas, and solid minerals, and human capital development will improve across the country,” he noted.
Dr. Anarado also warned that Nigeria’s over-dependence on the centre is threatening the future of its democracy, as frustrations from economic hardship and insecurity continue to breed disillusionment among citizens.
“People are losing faith in democracy because they do not see results. When elected leaders appear helpless in protecting lives and providing basic services, the people begin to look for alternatives — even undemocratic ones. That is dangerous,” he cautioned.
The analyst further linked Nigeria’s poor development trajectory to the absence of genuine federalism, saying that countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and India — once on the same level as Nigeria — have advanced because they built systems that empower their sub-national units.
He therefore called for a holistic review of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as a “military-imposed document” that does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
“What we need now is a people’s constitution — one that guarantees devolution of power, fiscal autonomy, and true representation. The federal government should not be in charge of everything, from security to water supply. Governance must return to the people,” he asserted.
Dr. Anarado emphasized that devolution of power would strengthen democracy by bringing governance closer to citizens, encouraging accountability, and allowing local authorities to respond directly to the needs of their communities.
He concluded by warning that Nigeria risks “returning to the dark ages” if leaders fail to restructure the federation and devolve powers appropriately.
“Devolution is not just about politics; it is about survival. It is the only way to rebuild trust, deepen democracy, and unleash Nigeria’s true potential,” he said.
