My agenda for national dialogue

Government political structure should be revisited against the geopolitical zones which may be designated as autonomous regions with separate constitutions, legis-latures and other features of government similar to what obtained in the First Republic before the military intervention into politics. Local Governments under the zones may be converted to districts with flexibility on the number […]

Government political structure should be revisited against the geopolitical zones which may be designated as autonomous regions with separate constitutions, legis-latures and other features of government similar to what obtained in the First Republic before the military intervention into politics. Local Governments under the zones may be converted to districts with flexibility on the number desired to match available resources. Regional police, if established, will be quite efficient and effective in crime rate reduction.
I am also of the opinion that the presidential sys-tem of government is very expensive to operate, more particularly with the members of the National Assembly engaged full time at both federal, state and local governments. The French Presidency with its related bicameral parliamentary system under which legislators are engaged on part time basis may be a better option. Parliament convenes on two sessions per year with each session not exceeding 90 days. There is of course flexibility for emergency sittings as circumstances may warrant. The frequency of the session may be modified to suit Nigeria’s circumstances.
The principles upon which the federal revenue sharing formula was formulated should be reviewed in the light of development needs of all parts of Nigeria. Derivation principle is very important and should be accorded the priority it deserves. Likewise the significance of offshore oil reserves which do not belong to adjoining littoral states should squarely be analysed. Experts should carefully look into previous and extant formulae and come up with recommendations for the consideration of the National Dialogue.
Social security benefits should be placed on the agenda. The falling living standard of majo-rity of Nigerians due to unemployment oppor-tunities, poverty and corruption should be addressed as a matter of urgency. The insecurity problems prevailing in Nigeria are manifestations of intolerable hardship. Further economic measures which will ameliorate this unwanted predicament must be taken. It is time for welfarism or even socialism similar to what obtains in China is adopted if doing so will alleviate the economic distress of the masses.
The current senatorial districts may be used to elect on non party basis three delegates for the National Dialogue. Government will also nominate three delegates from each district to represent the interests of trade associations, pressure groups and other civil society organizations. The size of the Dialogue’s membership should not exceed 250.
Compliance with rules, regulations and procedures on conducting Government business should be thoroughly discussed by the Dialogue in order to stem deviations and punish the culprits with full weight of the law as a directive principle of state policy. The Judicial system needs overhauling to ensure that offenders do not exploit loopholes and other legal technicalities which will exonerate them from blame and the imposition of punishment. It appears fraudsters take advantage of this legal laxity to perpetuate corrupt practices. Tough action in consonance with legal provisions must be taken to deter levity and impunity in law observance. The resultant incidence of corruption which is widespread must be tackled with all seriousness.
Finally, it has to be borne in mind always that the essence of the National Dialogue is to improve the political system but Nigeria remains united in diversity, democratic, republic, liberal, social, multi religious and secular. Her sovereignty rests with the people who exercise it through their elected representatives. Fundamental changes on the economy to empower the masses with a view to ensuring peoples welfare must be taken as a matter of utmost importance and urgency. The dire need for Nigeria to invent its own indigenous technology should be actualized through vigorous efforts on research and development.

Sani, mni, can be reached at [email protected]