By Chidera Eke, Richard Ibu, June 26, 2023, News/Commments
LAGOS-Professor of Political Science and Economy, Olatunde Babawale, who is the Provost, Anti Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), has advocated for patriotic national identity and true federalism, stressing however that, no nation survives on hypocrisy but nation building through synergy from all quarters :
“Nation building presupposes the coming together of a people of disparate ethnicities, diverse origins, cultures, histories, languages and religion within the boundaries of a state to evolve a united entity. Nigeria is without doubt a country of multiple Nationalities struggling to evolve into a Nation and develop a National identity. This search for a National identity is what many scholars have come to describe as the “National Question. Aside from the issues of corruption, insecurity and the nature of the economy, restructuring and power devolution have dominated national discourse in the last couple of years. Individuals and groups have maintained different positions on the need for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation”
Prof. Babawale, reiterated that in recent years, there seems to be an emerging consensus that the Nigerian state in its present form has become dysfunctional, ineffective, inefficient and therefore incapable of meeting the needs and aspirations of a large majority of the population cutting across regional, religious, ethnic and class boundaries. “The advocates of restructuring for the enthronement of what has been described as “true federalism” seem to be winning more converts across the country. “Restructuring and power devolution are two sides of the same coin and it is doubtful if we can validly talk of devolution of powers in a state outside the context of restructuring. Both are not necessarily synonymous with federalism”
Get your copies, call 08028592006, the latest
He spoke as a guest speaker at the Afrikanwatch Network Communications 10th year anniversary and 12th lecture of the media outfit, held at the College Hall, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos at the weekend, with a theme, “Arise O compatriots In the Spirit of building one Nation”,
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, a Constitutional lawyer, also, the Pro Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State while in his address, reiterated that, Nigeria can no longer sustain what he described as “false constitution”, adding that, a new one is what is needed urgently if the unity of the country must survive. This was corroborated by the panelists, Dr. Adewale Aderemi, an Associate professor of political science and economy, director, Democracy and Governance, National Institute for Legislative and democratic studies, NILDS, who represented the Director-General of the Institute, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Barr. Malachy Ugwummadu, ex-president, CDHR, and Sir. Anogwi Anyanwu, District Governor, The International Association of Lions Club district 404A1, as they noted that, for compatriots to arise, there must be the establishment equity, fairness and justice, even as the demanded for true federalism top their discussion, charging President Tinubu to keep the country in good shape, even as they agreed completely that the country would not make any headway if a people constitution does not arise .
n his part, the President/Editor-in-Chief of Afrikanwatch said, that the theme was chose to rewake the spirit of together of Nigerians while pursuing national unity and development. was attended by Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Prof. Peter Fogam, Prof. Solomon Akinboye, Prof. Soneye Alabi, Prof. Oluwayemisi Obashoro, Dr. Udauk Ukekpe, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa-Ibom state, Barr. John Mowoe, Barr. (Dr) Monday Ubani,represented by Barr. (Dr) Anthony Iwowo, Arch.Eloho Edewor, who represented his father, Elder Pastor Joseph Obayemi, Engr. Olayiwola Taylor among other top dignitaries across the country. Highlights of the occasion was the presentations of award to the dignitaries.
For your interview on national issues, or article, commentary or event coverage. View our services and profile by clicking about Afrikanwatch Network and Service.+2348028592006, +2349126686480: Email us @: afrikanwatch122@gmail.com.
