Bajowa condemns Nigerian distorted federalism, says it’s the major albatross to political development.
– Steve Ovirih.
Gen. Olu Bajowa( OFR), the Jagunmolu of Ikaleland and Ojagbulegun from the Source has expressed worries over the unitary nature of Nigerian federalism , describing the Federal constitution operated in Nigeria as the major albatross to national development and not necessarily the leadership challenge in the country.
The retired Army top brass gave this indication in a press statement he issued on the state of the nation as regards the forthcoming general election , a copy of which was obtained by thepolity.net
In the statement , Gen Bajowa stressed that the Nigerian problem is analogous to the proverbial Yoruba story of a cripple carrying a guard of water on his head, which can not be positioned uprightly, because of the physical crookedness of his leg!
As regards the problem with the political system, Gen. Bajowa noted regrettably that the nation is battling with the effect and not fighting the cause adding that there is no dearth of visionary leaders with intellect, capacity, competence and integrity, in any of the states of the federation; but the major challenge is the albatross of a “Unitary” Constitution which in content, character and delivery, projects a distorted federalism, in a supposedly Federal Republic .
He said, sadly for a country of nearly 300 nationalities where fairness, equity and justice pose great challenges, the people are yet to adequately harness the most desirable dividend of democracy and Rule of Law.
While suggesting a solution to the myriad of political challenges in the country, Gen Bajowa posited that a constitution of the people based on true federalism, devolution of power and resource control, under a patriotic and purposeful leadership, is the panacea
, Otherwise, continuing and unrelenting agitations for self-determination will subsist and will continue to be common place.
Gen. Bajowa also said most of Nigerian leaders have greatly under-performed, because of the faulty and unworkable constitution handed over to Nigeria in 1999.
“Disappointedly, most of our leaders have greatly under-performed, because of our faulty and unworkable constitution. Even if the Pope is elected to govern and operate the present 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, he will fail on arrival, ” Gen. Bajowa added.
