Akin Fapohunda, Secretary of the Steering Committee of the Eminent Elders Forum and a member of The Patriots, has called for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s governance system.
He made the call during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday. His comments followed a formal letter sent to President Bola Tinubu and other top officials.
The letter was also addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as well as the legislative arm of government. It was written by a group of prominent Nigerian leaders.
According to Fapohunda, the group wants the country’s governance structure changed. They propose shifting more powers from the federal government to regional authorities.
He said Nigeria’s current system concentrates too much authority in Abuja. This, he argued, makes governance difficult in such a diverse country.
Fapohunda explained that Nigeria has many cultures, languages, and environmental differences. Because of this, he said the country does not function like a typical nation-state.
“The mantra is that each region needs to be managed in a modular manner. We are not a nation,” he said.
He added, “A nation must be bound by culture and language. We don’t have one language; we don’t have one culture.”
Fapohunda also pointed out differences in climate and vegetation across Nigeria. According to him, these differences require flexible governance systems.
Elders Seek Gradual Restructuring Process
Fapohunda said the proposed decentralisation would happen gradually rather than through sudden changes.
He explained that restructuring should be seen as a step-by-step process. According to him, discussions about state police show that the process has already begun.
“Restructuring is not a switch you put on the wall. It’s a process,” he said.
He added that even with strong leadership, one person cannot manage every sector of government.
“There is universal consensus across all regions that managing everything unitarily from Abuja is not ideal,” Fapohunda said.
“Mr. President is trying, but one man cannot oversee 50 ministries.”
The group behind the proposal wants cooperation among all branches of government. Fapohunda said the executive, legislature, and judiciary must work together.
“We wrote the executive arm, the legislature, and the judiciary. That is the Nigerian state,” he explained.
He added, “We want the three of them to act in concert.”
The group has requested a response within 45 days. According to Fapohunda, the current system based on the 1999 Constitution is no longer suitable.
He said the letter made their position clear.
“Please give us feedback within 45 days. We cannot continue being managed this way,” he said.
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