…As Ike Nwachukwu wants Nigeria decentralised
In his opening remarks, Nwachukwu faulted the current presidential system in Nigeria, saying that the system was failing because it gives too much power to the president.
He advocated that the country should rather be decentralised to give more autonomy and powers to states to control their resource to develop their state and people.
He further noted that Nigeria should rather copy the French system, where 70 percent of the ministers are members of the parliament, while 30 percent of the ministers should be appointed from people outside of government.
“The current presidential system is not the best for Nigeria, it has been compromised, we should have like what they have in France.
“We said 70 percent of the ministers should be people in parliament and 30 percent should be people outside government, the presidential system is not the best, it is expensive,” Nwachukwu said.
Nwachukwu, who was chairman of colloquium, further said that Nigerians must endeavour to avail themselves of the mistakes in the past, which may have hampered the growth and development of the country.
“The mistake Nigeria made is wide, it is good to know them to survive as a nation,” he added.
Speaking on the current structure of Nigeria, he stressed that there the need to decentralise government, warning that the current system was not viable.
He noted that all states in the country had the potential to develop with the available resources at their disposal.
According to him, “We must decentralise the country, every state would be in control of its resources and percentage given to the central government.”
Nwachukwu further called for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 polls, noting that flaw polls was inimical to the progress of the country and lead to apathy among the populace especially the youth.
He said the youth of the country have tremendous potential that could be tap into if they are given a chance to excel.
“We can’t have election where is so much flaws in the system, not only are we digging the country to oblivion we are denying young Nigerians opportunity to lead”.
A member of the panel of discussion, Reuben Abati, said that with the high youth population in the country, there was the need for the federal government to declare a state of emergency on education and increase investment in the sector, so that the nation’s youths can compete globally.
Abati further said that strong opposition in the country was crucial for democracy to thrive and for good governance, citing example with Senegal and other countries.
“Informed opposition that is committed to the common good and not name-calling is vital in a democracy,” Abati said.
He added that there was the need for Nigeria to declare a state of emergency on education to check the socio-economic challenges of the country
Another member of the panel Olukobola Oyawoye, a professor, called for attitudinal change among Nigerians and gender inclusion in governance to check the leadership crisis in the country.
In his appreciation speech, the celebrant, Ighodalo, said it was vital that ethnic nationalisties, stakeholders and citizens continue to dialogue about the state and future of the country.
He expressed dismay that some Nigerians who had lamented the state of the country in the past, failed to effect the needed change or take action to move the country forward when they got into public office.
The pastor appreciated Triune Foundation for organising the colloquium on his behalf, while appreciating guests and participants for honouring him with their presence.
