Former INEC boss Attahiru Jega calls for restructuring before 2027

The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has pointed out that the presidential system being practiced in Nigeria is defective.

He charged Nigerians to unite and work towards restructuring before the 2027 general elections.

The former INEC boss harped on power devolution to the sub-nationals, saying it was most needed for Nigeria to develop.

Jega disclosed this on Saturday while delivering the convocation lecture at the Bauchi State University, Gadau, on the theme, ‘Safeguarding Nigeria’s future: Prioritising citizen’s welfare and security amidst challenges’.

He stated, “Our leaders in leadership positions, between now and 2027, we need to put our heads together and have a rational, evidence-based process of restructuring the Nigerian federation, and to my mind the major thing we need to do is devolve power and resources from the federal to the state and local governments.

“Even if all we do is go back to the way power was distributed in the 1963 Constitution, we should do that but I think we should even go beyond that because we need to reduce the power of the Federal Government. In fact, that power of the Federal Government, in which whoever is elected president controls virtually all the resources, beheads the reality.

“There is fear that if more resources go to the states and local governments, given what we see in Nigeria now, many people are afraid that it cannot solve the problems, but my own thinking is that the more power and resources in the state and local governments the less attractive the federal becomes. Then, the more people will concentrate in terms of bringing appropriate reforms and development. It is very important we truly address these issues.”

He denounced the executive branch of government, both at the federal and state levels, of irresponsible spending and abuse of authority, arguing that Nigeria was on the verge of collapse because the political class had acquired power with the intent of destroying institutions rather than revamping them.

“In addition to that, they have raised the cost of governance in such a way that it is a serious challenge that can put Nigeria in jeopardy,” he added.

He added, “I am saying this because it appears there is now a movement of some elite pushing for the return of the parliamentary system. I think it is a terrible thing to happen. You started with parliamentary system, you moved to presidential, you are not doing it well, and you think the solution is to go back to parliamentary system.”

On Nigeria’s ailing economy, Jega said, “We should also ensure that we refine the manufacturing sector. No country develops if it cannot consume sufficiently from the home market,” he added. “A situation in Nigeria where virtually everything is imported is a recipe for disaster and can push our country into a situation in which we cannot safeguard.”