Restructuring Nigeria may lead to break-up, says Yobe governor

*Seeks reduction in number of political parties

Tom Okpe

The Yobe State government has expressed fears that agitations for restructuring of Nigeria may lead to its break-up, and as such, it should be jettisoned.

This was contained in a document submitted to the House of Representatives committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution by the Yobe State government in Bauchi Wednesday.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by Lawal Kato Gada said there was nothing wrong with the current structure of the country as additional six unofficial geopolitical zones have already been created to ensure inclusiveness of all Nigerians.

According to him, “all these are being made to give sense of belonging to various zones that made up the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We have noted that of recent, there have been calls for restructuring the country.

We are not told what form that structure is going to be. In any case, we don’t see any sense of tempering with the existing structure of the country,” Yobe government posited.

Speaking on the power devolution, Yobe observed that a lot powers have been concentrated on the Federal Government through Exclusive Legislative List.

They suggested that finger prints, identification and criminal records, Insurance, Labour, Prisons, Public holidays, bankruptcy and insolvency, Registration of births and deaths, control of prices of goods and services, solid minerals should be given to states to control.

On the local government administration, Yobe observed that the problem with its autonomy and operations is not constitutional as section 7 of the constitution has provided sufficient instrument for the local government administration and autonomy.

The governor also called on the National Assembly to include in the proposed new constitution, law that will limit political parties to a sizeable number in Nigeria.

The Governor, however argued that in order to control proliferation of political parties, stringent measures need to be put in place to determine their desirability or otherwise for their registration existence.

Yobe state recommended that funding of political parties maintained the status quo, adding that independent candidacy should not be considered as it will be difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to handle.

Governor Buni said in order to deliver free, fair and credible election, persons who are known to be honest, steadfast, dedicated and hardworking be appointed to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On the immunity clause, Yobe posited that the law be retained, adding that the removal of the clause will adversely affect the operations of government businesses.

The Yobe State government while making its position on the establishment of state police as canvassed in some quarters, argued that it will be abused for political reasons, thereby creating more security problems.

“Yobe State government strongly oppose any move to amend section 214(1) to establish a state police as canvassed in certain quarters,” Governor Buni said.