1. MAKING
NIGERIA WORK
DR. KAYODE FAYEMI
FORMER GOVERNOR, EKITI STATE,
FORMER CHAIRMAN, NIGERIA GOVERNORS’ FORUM,
PIONEER PRESIDENT, FORUM OF REGIONS OF AFRICA (FORAF),
VISITING PROFESSOR, AFRICA LEADERSHIP CENTRE,
KING'S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.

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@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
MAKING NIGERIA WORK
Last week, I had the honour of addressing the topic "How to Make Nigeria Work" during the 60th
birthday celebration of my dear friend and comrade, Professor Udenta Udenta. Our journey together
in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria began under the guidance of our late leader, ChiefArthur
Nwankwo, leader of the Eastern Mandate Union and a key figure in theAlliance for Democracy.
Since those formative years, Professor Udenta and I have remained resolute in our commitment to
buildingamoreinclusiveNigeriathatservesallitscitizens.
However,itwasintriguingtowitnessthediversereactionstomyspeech,whichregrettably,havebeen
misrepresentedandsensationalisedinthemedia.Thesensationalisedportionsofmypresentationhave
alsosparkedcounterargumentsfromanalystsandcriticswhodidnotlistentomyfullspeechandonly
dependedonmediasnippets.Inlightofthesedevelopmentsandtoensureanaccuraterecord,Ifindit
necessarytoclarifymystatements.

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@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
MAKING NIGERIA WORK
The implicit assumption in the topic "How to Make Nigeria Work" is that we all acknowledge
Nigeria's challenges and some believe they possess the solutions to address them. These challenges
encompass Nigeria's vast size, ethnic conflicts, leadership issues, constitutional matters, poverty,
colonial history, and external influences. People often search for excuses and culprits for our
difficulties, with some advocating for secession and others lamenting mutual marginalisation.
"Making NigeriaWork" is viewed by some as a response to the belief that Nigeria is on the verge of
collapse, necessitating a complete overhaul. However, I hold a different perspective. I firmly believe
thatwecanconfrontournation'sproblemswithoutdismantlingitentirely.
Nation-building is an ongoing process, and no generation can claim to have perfected it. Progress is
often appreciated by future generations. Instead of dwelling on past failures, we should look ahead
with optimism and heed Frantz Fanon's wisdom: "Every generation must, out of relative obscurity,
discoveritsmission,betrayitorfulfillit.”
Nigeria has grappled with slow development despite various government initiatives. Some experts
arguethatdevelopmentwasnotapriorityinpost-colonialAfrica.Inmyview,thecoreissueliesinthe
prioritisation of development over nation-building – putting the cart before the horse. We must first
address the challenges of nation-building because you cannot develop what does not exist. Wole
Soyinka'squestion,"WhenisaNation?"underscorestheunresolvednationalquestions.Development
reliesoneliteconsensus,whichcanonlyemergeafteraddressingthesefundamentalquestions.When
the nation's existence is easily contested, as seen in recent elections, we must resolve foundational
issues to guide our vision for society and national development. In essence, national greatness stems
directlyfromsuccessfulnation-building.

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@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
MAKING NIGERIA WORK
Overtheyears,somehavelabeledthecreationofNigeriain1914asamistake,butwasittruly?While
colonialists' "divide and rule" strategy may have contributed to ongoing divisions, it is inaccurate to
view the amalgamation itself as a mistake. Our people had pre-existing networks, relationships, and
shared experiences long before colonial rule.To forge a unified nation out of this colonial legacy, we
must revisit our history, particularly our pre-colonial history. Historian Obaro Ikime stressed the
importance of a framework highlighting the influences and factors shaping our history and the
interactions among our diverse cultures. SirAhmadu Bello's concept of "unity in diversity" suggests
thatacknowledgingandrespectingourdifferences,ratherthanerasingthem,canfosternationalunity.
Unfortunately,wehaveoftenstigmatisedandweaponiseddiversity,usingitasabasisforinclusionor
exclusion.
Developmentanthropologistsarguethatcultureplaysapivotalroleindevelopment,anddiversitycan
be a resource for progress. Homogeneity is not necessarily beneficial, and we should distinguish
between benign differences and the political exploitation of those differences. Misapplying our
diversity has turned it into a threat rather than a strength. Inclusion and exclusion based on ethnic
preferences can erode a nation's cohesion. Protecting minority rights, ensuring gender equality, and
preservingculturalassetsarevitalaspectsofnation-building.Ultimately,embracingourdiversitycan
leadtoastronger,moreunifiedNigeria.

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@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
MAKING NIGERIA WORK
Despite the challenges Nigeria faces, it is crucial to remember that nation-building is an evolving
process. The dynamic nature of this process should inspire hope and encourage us to strive for
continuous improvement. We must experiment, learn from trial and error, and adapt. Our national
framework should be viewed as a dynamic system, not a set of immutable rules. Many of today's
challenges could not have been foreseen in 1999, but they provide opportunities to test the ability of
our governance system to address national issues and promote the common good. If the system falls
short, we must be willing to examine why it is not working for all of us. To address these issues
constructively, we must first overcome mutual suspicion and distrust in our politics, fostering the
consensusnecessaryforourjourneytowardbecomingagreatnation.
The imperative for "Making Nigeria Work" is deeply embedded in our national anthem, which
emphasises the continuous pursuit of perfection. It encapsulates the mission and means in a simple
phrase:"Tobuildanationwherepeaceandjusticeshallreign."Thepathtonation-buildingisthrough
peace, the path to peace is justice, and the path to justice is equity and inclusion. Even in the United
States,acountryfoundedoncommonpurposeandconsent,thequestfora"moreperfectunion"never
ends.Thisshouldinspireusnottogiveuponnation-buildinginNigeria.BenOkri'swordsremindus
that every generation carries the responsibility of nation-building, reconnecting with earlier dreams
and plans. The character and preferences of each generation determine how far we progress on this
journey.YoungNigerianstoday,bornintheeraofdemocracy,haveadifferentoutlook.Theydemand
results from democracy and are less fearful of change. They want democracy to work for them and
facilitate their dreams. In response to today's challenges, we must recognise that the status quo won't
suffice. We need a fundamental overhaul of our governance and electoral system to make Nigeria
workbetterforallitspeople.

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@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
MAKING NIGERIA WORK
I advocate for restructuring, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and electoral reform as key
elements in our effort to make Nigeria thrive. The primary challenge we face in this pursuit is
redefiningthebasisofournationalunity.Regrettably,thisissuehasbeentaintedbymutualsuspicion
andpoliticalstrife,ofteninterpreteddifferentlybasedonone'sethnicityorregion.Ialignwiththeviews
of respected scholar Professor Attahiru Jega, who emphasises the need to address these matters
dispassionately and without inciting ethnic or religious sentiments. Our motivation for restructuring
shouldbeourresponsibilitytobuildanationofpeaceandjustice,whereeveryonebenefits,regardless
oflanguageorreligiousbeliefs.
Historically,attemptsatconstitutionalreform,suchasthe2005ConstitutionalReformConferenceand
the 2014 National Conference, were hindered by the contentious issue of restructuring. However,
avoiding this issue is no longer a viable solution. Rather than pursuing structural changes like state
creationorrevertingtothepre-1966regionalstructure,weshouldfocusonmakingthecurrentsystem
more efficient. This entails improving our governance, boosting our economy, and promoting
inclusivity.Devolutionofpowers,reallocatingresourcestoourfederatingunits,iscentraltothiseffort.
Decadesofmilitaryruleledtoanunhealthyconcentrationofpoweratthefederallevel.Akeyaspect
ofthisrestructuringshouldnecessarilyreviewwhatfallsunderexclusivefederaljurisdictionandwhat
isontheconcurrentlist.Othercriticalissuesincluderevenueallocation,landtenure,localgovernment
autonomy,andmore.
In this endeavour, I lean toward strengthening the sub-national units, assigning functions consistent
withadevolvedfederalsystem.Thiswouldinvolvemaintainingashort,exclusivefederallistfocused
on areas like national defense and security, while states would have primary responsibility for
functionslistedinthesecondscheduleofthe1999constitution.

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@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
MAKING NIGERIA WORK
On revenue sharing, the Nigeria Governors' Forum's proposal of 42% to states, 35% to the federal
government,and23%tolocalgovernmentsmakessense,giventheincreasedresponsibilitiesofstates.
Ultimately,remakingNigeriathroughdevolutionofpowersandreorganisationofthefederatingunits
isatimelyandnecessaryidea.AsAttahiruJeganoted,thisapproachwouldleadtoabetter-functioning
federationwithstatesastheprimaryunits,fosteringcooperationamongcontiguousstates,substantial
powerdevolution,andmechanismsforgreaterequalityandinclusionformarginalisedgroups.
Finally,myideaconcerningalternativepoliticsandelectoralreformhaselicitedwidespreadreactions
from analysts, critics, and the public. But we must recognise that despite several election cycles, we
continue to grapple with their consequences. I firmly believe that it is time to readdress electoral
reform. While I have no doubt that my party, theAll Progressives Congress, secured victory in the
Presidentialelectionasdeclaredbytheelectoralauthority,largelyduetoabettergraspofthecountry's
political dynamics and the self-destruct button pressed by the opposition, I propose a shift towards
alternative politics rather than the perennial pursuit of political alternatives within nearly
indistinguishable political parties. This shift aims to make Nigeria thrive through inclusion, stability,
andnationalunity.
If we regard alternative politics as a comprehensive overhaul of our political system, particularly in
crafting a consensual and developmental approach, then the initial step must involve a reengineering
ofourelectoralsystem,movingawayfromthecurrentmajoritarian"winnertakesall"model.Withthe
three major parties winning nearly an equal number of states and the ultimate winner garnering only
37percentofthetotalvotescastinthePresidentialelections,itbecomesevidentthatthisapproachdoes
notbodewellforthestabilityofournation.

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@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
MAKING NIGERIA WORK
Therefore, my proposal centres on the adoption of what is commonly referred to as proportional
representationsysteminplaceoftheinadequateanddivisivefirst-past-the-postelectoralsystem.This
issomethingthathasbeenusedindividedsocietieslikeoursasanationbuildingstrategy.Myconcept
of proportional representation entails the inclusion of political parties in proportion to their
performance in national elections. While this would still ensure that the election winner leads the
government,itwouldeliminatetheincongruityofhavingapartywith37percentofthevoteclaim100
percent of the government. Importantly, my vision of proportional representation does not align with
the often-misinterpreted idea of a government of national unity that has been sensationalised in the
media. Instead, it envisions a synthesis of party manifestoes towards a comprehensive national
integration perspective, with all parties viewing themselves as essential contributors to the national
project.This approach would foster stability and cohesion, from which government nominees could
bedrawn.
My experiences in politics have led me to believe that any strategy aimed at building a sustainable
democracyinadiverseanddividedsocietylikeNigeriamustprioritiseelectoralsystemsthatpromote
inclusivity and accommodation. This approach serves to mitigate the fractures and tensions that
impede national progress and change. I have no doubt in my mind that I have not exhausted all the
factors that can make Nigeria work for the benefit of all her citizens and residents. However, I also
havenodoubtthatthesubsequentconversationbymyanalystswillnotonlyaddnewpointsbutalso
amplifysomeofthepointsIhavehighlighted,ratherthanmisconstrueorsensationalisethem.