News Investigators/ The former Governor of Rivers, Celestine Omehia, has called for the decentralisation of power in Nigeria to allow states and regions to have more control over their affairs and resources.
Mr Omehia stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, in his new book, “Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book launch is scheduled for Sept.24.
He said that the current system inherited from military rule was inappropriate for a democratic government.
Mr Omehia said that the power to decide on development projects and resource allocation should be devolved to the states and provinces, instead of being controlled by the Federal Government.
He cited the example of road construction in Port Harcourt, saying that local communities are in a better position to determine their needs.
The former governor emphasised the importance of involving all stakeholders, including representatives of the people, in any constitutional restructuring process.
He said that the 2014 constitutional conference under Goodluck Jonathan`s administration was a step in the right direction, but lamented that its recommendations were not implemented.
Mr Omehia emphasised the need for a constitutional conference to address these issues rather than piecemeal amendments of the constitution.
He said that the book aims to spark dialogue among Nigerians on the country’s future and the need for restructuring.
According to him, the book promises to be a timely contribution to the ongoing debate on Nigeria’s development and the need for constitutional reform.
“By providing a platform for dialogue, the book launch aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss the way forward for the country.
“By advocating for decentralisation and devolution of power, I hope to spark a national conversation on how to create a more equitable and effective system of government.”
NAN