The Ugbarajo Iwere Leaders Foundation in Delta State has joined other Nigerians to advocate the restructuring of the country to address the plethora of challenges bedevilling the nation.
The Itsekiri socio-cultural group made the call in a communique issued on Tuesday at the ongoing 3rd Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The communique was issued at the end of a lecture/symposium titled, “The Challenges of Minority Ethnic Groups within the Nigerian State”, as part of the activities lined up for the week-long 3rd coronation anniversary of the revered Warri monarch.
Prof. Benson Osadolor, a former Acting Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, who delivered the lecture spoke extensively on fiscal federalism.
At the end of the presentation, a communique was jointly endorsed by Chief Robinson Ariyo, the Egogo (Mouthpiece) of Warri Kingdom and a former lawmaker representing Warri Federal Constituency, Mr Dan Reyenieju.
The group noted that the overcentralisation of the current federal system was a major threat to the minority ethnic populations in the country and called for urgent restructuring.
It also called on the government at all levels to tackle headlong, the factors fueling violence at the various parts of the country by applying best practices to governance.
“As a result of the challenges that come with critical issues of the control of power and resources, marginalisation, neglect, exclusion, social injustice and human rights deprivation.
“The consultation of state intervention can be addressed through restructuring of the Nigerian State. The overcentralisation of the federal system is a major threat to minority ethnic populations.
“Therefore, restructuring and true federalism will deepen and strengthen the institutions for a governance that will enhance our efforts and commitment to nation building,” it said.
The Foundation also expressed concern on the nation’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that it does not recognise the rights of ethnic minorities but the fundamental rights of every individual.
“What matters to ethnic minorities is the enforcement of the rights to development and socio-economic, and rights through fiscal federalism and inter-governmental relationship.
“Minority populations have been disadvantaged with the Federal Character principles of fairness and equity in the distribution of public posts and socio-economic infrastructure among the various federating units of Nigeria,” the communique said.
The group further averred that the nation’s quota system was being abused and denied the brightest and brilliant minds of minority ethnic groups the opportunities for placement in the civil service, among others.
Earlier, Prof. Osadolor, who was the lead presenter, noted that the challenges of ethnic minorities in the South-South and North-Central parts of Nigeria were complex and difficult and with profound consequences.
He also observed that over the years, the North-Central had witnessed varying degrees and dimensions of ethnic dominant crisis, often resulting in widespread violence, ethnic cleansing and of recent, genocide against minorities in the zone.
“Also, over the years, the South South was a hotbed of conflicts and violence with varying interpretations of the challenge.
“As oil and community disorders; or the Niger Delta crisis or simply the minority agitations or in the context of the national question,” he said.
The speaker, however, submitted that the critical factor of restructuring and true federalism held the key to resolving the myriads of socio-political and socio-economic problems tearing Nigeria apart.
The ceremony, which also witnessed the paying of homage and entertainment by the Itsekiri traditional dance troupe, had hundreds of Itsekiri sons and daughters in attendance at the Warri Palace auditorium.
The ceremony continues on Wednesday with paying of homage at the Palace auditorium (Aghofen) in Warri South local government area of the state.
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