Long before the ongoing recession, many Nigerian have called for fiscal federation in Nigeria for effective harnessing of the resources at the state or regional level. After listening to several arguments for reform, Speaker Dogara stood up in his usual convincing manner told them that he was speaking with out fear or favour and that if Nigeria is divided, there is no way one part of Nigeria will be greater than the whole Nigeria. He told them that at this moment certain countries are giving up their sovereignty to participate in regional blocks and we are discussing how to divide Nigeria. At the end of his misguided speech lo and behold, many people started clapping, thinking that he has said anything smart. First of all, being great or large as a nation is not an achievement in itself. In fact it is a hinderance because that nation may not even know that their individual citizens exist. It is just like being a member of a very large Church where nobody remembers you. Secondly reform or restructure is not about dividing of the country. It is about stimulating regional productivity. reducing excessive power at the centre as well as regional laws according to need. Unfortunately, politicians cannot be expected to be sincere because If Dogara is being accused of sharing 10 Billion for his office now, he is quite certain that if there is regional parliament he can never see a quarter of that amount to be spent on cars and food. The more Nigerians wait for greedy politicians to make a move the more the move towards a reform becomes a mirage. Some people have said that Buhari government has not marshalled out a plan of how to bring Nigeria out of recession but if you ask Buhari he will tell you that he is releasing 700 Billion for road construction. That is not a comprehensive plan but the finance minister believes it is enough. God help Nigeria.
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