CHAIRMAN, PAN NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF), ON THE CALL FOR-TRUE-FEDERALISM, POWER DEVOLUTION, AND REGIONAL AUTONOMY
True Federalism the Only Path to National Unity and Development – PANDEF Chairman, Amb. Godknows-Boladei Igali
Calls for Power Devolution and Regional Autonomy to Rescue Nigeria from Structural Dysfunction,
By EgbemaVoice,
Abuja, Nigeria
The Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows-Boladei Igali, has reiterated the Forum’s unwavering demand for the urgent restructuring of Nigeria. Speaking at the PANDEF National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum, the respected diplomat and elder statesman emphasized that only the implementation of true federalism, power devolution, and regional autonomy could resolve Nigeria’s deep-rooted governance challenges.
Unitary Governance Structure is Unsustainable
In his keynote address, Ambassador Igali criticized Nigeria’s current political structure, which he described as a centralized system masquerading as federalism. According to him, “Nigeria cannot continue to operate as a unitary state disguised in federal garments. The excessive centralization of power at the federal level has not only led to inefficiency and corruption but has also stifled the potential of the regions and ethnic nationalities that make up this great country.”
He noted that returning to true federalism—as originally agreed upon by Nigeria’s founding fathers—would empower the constituent units to manage their affairs, promote self-reliance, and stimulate development at the grassroots level.
Power Devolution as a National Imperative
Ambassador Igali argued that devolving more powers to the states and regions is a necessity, not an option. He maintained that regional governments must be allowed to assume control over key sectors such as internal security, education, agriculture, resource management, and infrastructure development.
“This is not a call for secession,” he clarified. “It is a patriotic demand for justice, equity, and good governance. A call for Nigeria to work as a truly federal union, where no region is subjugated or left behind, and where all citizens can feel a sense of belonging and ownership.”
Regional Autonomy to Drive Development and Innovation
The PANDEF Chairman expressed confidence that regional autonomy, when properly implemented, would drive economic productivity and innovation across the federation. He pointed out that a restructured Nigeria would encourage healthy competition among regions, thereby reducing overdependence on the federal purse.
He stated, “We have seen how states have become overly dependent on federal allocations. This kills creativity and fosters inertia. But with autonomy, regions will tap into their comparative advantages, engage their people, and design policies that suit their development needs.”
A Message from the Niger Delta
Addressing the peculiar situation in the Niger Delta, Igali lamented that despite being the economic engine of the country, the region continues to suffer from environmental degradation, youth unemployment, infrastructural decay, and systemic neglect.
“What we ask for is not charity—it is justice,” he said. “The Niger Delta produces the oil that powers the Nigerian economy, yet our communities lack access to clean water, roads, and hospitals. We demand a system that allows us to control our destiny and rebuild our region.”
A Strong Appeal to the Federal Government and National Assembly
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