‘Dysfunctional states go beyond finance’

Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke has said that the challenge of dysfunctional states in Nigeria goes beyond finance. He stated this as a panelist at the 11thAELEX Annual Lecture which took place in Lagos last Wednesday with the theme “Making States Work”. Duke said that one of the most essential factors […]

Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke has said that the challenge of dysfunctional states in Nigeria goes beyond finance.
He stated this as a panelist at the 11thAELEX Annual Lecture which took place in Lagos last Wednesday with the theme “Making States Work”.
Duke said that one of the most essential factors in making states work is the framing of a personal vision and a collective vision for the state, which he said remains a missing component amongst many Nigerian governors.
“We are losing the essence of the federating units in Nigeria. As a leader, having a vision is essential but having a collective vision for the people is key,” he said.
Duke mentioned that the absence of consequences for either good or bad actions in the  country is responsible for the social misnomer in the country.
 “In Nigeria, there are no consequences for doing the right things neither are there consequences for doing wrong,” he said.
The panel included:  Mr. Donald Duke (CON), former Governor of Cross River State;  Mr. Peter Obi (CON), former Governor of Anambra State; Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (CON), President of Council, Nigerian Stock Exchange; Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Director, Africa Program, Open Society Justice Initiative, and Mr. Isaac Babatunde, Executive Director, Corporate & Sovereign Ratings, Agusto & Co.
Professor Chidi Odinkalu said that most Nigerian states are built on faulty foundations given the intent of the military whilst creating the states. He berated the dearth of history amongst Nigerians.
Professor Odinkalu said Nigeria is a country without process, management, details and priorities, adding that states are basically irrational in addressing relevant issues of huge importance.