Nigeria is arguably the country where the English language is most extensively used to achieve a stylish effect on listeners. We employ language in a more stylish manner, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate others.
Federalism, in simple terms, refers to a system of government where states unite, forfeiting some sovereignty while maintaining independence in internal affairs. It is a political arrangement where individual states control their affairs but are governed by a central authority for national decisions.
Is there truly such a thing as “true federalism” or “fiscal federalism”? If it is not federalism, then it is not federalism. Anything that falls short of the fundamental principles of federalism should not be referred to as such.
In reality, “true federalism” and “fiscal federalism” are mere Nigerian coinages designed to mislead, particularly the people of the Niger Delta region where crude oil is predominantly found.
The current system of government in Nigeria does not align with the principles of federalism. Instead, it is a system concocted by the majority ethnic groups to exploit and cheat the minority groups of the Niger Delta.
In a genuine federal system, federating units control their natural resources, including land, and pay taxes to the central government on an agreed-upon percentage. This is not the case in Nigeria, where the federal government controls the oil industry.
During the First Republic, when cocoa, groundnuts, cotton, and palm produce were the primary sources of revenue, each region managed and controlled its resources, adhering to the derivation principle. This allowed for healthy competition among regions.
Natural resources, whether on or beneath the land, belong to the landowners. It is absurd to suggest that people can own land without controlling the resources within it.
Nigeria is a country plagued by double standards. Under the current constitution, mineral resources are on the exclusive list, yet some states, among the majority of ethnic groups, have ministries of solid mineral development. Why can’t the states in the Niger Delta have ministries of petroleum resources?
The northern states are allowed to mine solid minerals openly, while the oil-producing states are prohibited from doing so. This disparity raises questions about the true intentions behind Nigeria’s federal system.
Some argue that the revenue from oil and gas would be too much for the states to handle. However, this argument lacks merit. Nature has endowed the Niger Delta region with crude oil and gas to facilitate development, given the region’s challenging terrain.
Currently, Nigeria’s system allows people from dry and easily developable regions to exploit the wealth of the minority Niger Delta region. This must change.
When the right thing is done and the people gain control over their resources, a deliberate policy should be implemented to set aside a percentage of revenue from oil and gas to support the indigent and vulnerable populations across the country.
The pursuit of justice and human welfare should take precedence over constitutional formalities. If the President wishes to leave a lasting legacy, he must ensure that the current constitutional review radically departs from past exercises, which were mere formalities.
Let us adopt a federal structure genuinely modelled after that of the United States. If their system is progressive, then it is worth emulating.
If the current constitutional review fails to address the issues surrounding the oil industry, the elites of the Niger Delta must come together and take bold action. They should fight for a reversal of the exploitation and no longer leave this fight to the Niger Delta militants alone.
The battle for justice should be taken to the international community for attention and intervention. Anything that has a beginning must also have an ending.
•E. E. Kalama, Former Deputy Clerk, Rivers State House of Assembly
