Generating fresh vision on federalism for Nigeria: The position of South-south Nigeria on economic and political restructuring

Abstract

The stability and viability of Nigeria has been threatened by lack of political will by the federal government to implement concrete policies and programmes on socio-economic and political integration of the 250 ethnic nationalities in the country. The problem is traced to the practice of a defective federal structure inherited from British colonial government since 1954; and it has resulted in several agitations led by predominantly south-south, where the effect of non-adherence to the principles of federalism is most pronounced. Thus, the study was aimed at examining the south-south position on economic and political restructuring of Nigeria. This is important as restructuring is expected to engender the desired security, peace and sustainable development (SPD of Nigeria). The study adopted the David Easton’s theory of ‘post-behavioural revolutions,’ and applied ‘participant-observation’ method; and found that the present practice of federalism where the exclusive, concurrent and residual legislative lists, etc., are tilted towards the federal government have strangulated the federating units. It then recommends restructuring based on devolution of powers and the modification of the legislative lists, etc. The implication is that restructuring shall provide for the desired socio-economic and political stability, allaying fears of ethnic nationalities and promote good governance.