Jonathan, Diri, Others call for True Federalism, Says It Holds Key to Nigeria's Unity, Development
By Majesty Inegbagha
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have stressed the need for true fiscal federalism as a pathway to resolving Nigeria’s national question and achieving sustainable unity and development.
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The two leaders spoke on Thursday at the public presentation of a book authored by Elder Braeyi Ekiye, titled Redefining Nigeria: Essays on State, Nation, Leadership and Democracy, held at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, said the book raised fundamental questions about the Nigerian state, leadership, democracy and the equitable distribution of power and resources.
He noted that the issues addressed in the book were central to building the just, equitable and progressive nation Nigerians desired.
According to the governor, the concerns raised by Ekiye also reflected the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which has become an important reference point in the quest for environmental justice and fairness for the Niger Delta.
Diri described the book as timely, stressing that his administration remained committed to promoting engagements that strengthen democracy, good governance and nation-building.
He said: “Redefining Nigeria asks questions that every serious-minded citizen must confront. What binds us together as a nation? How should power and resources be shared among the various units of our federation? What does a citizen owe the state, and what do leaders owe the people who entrust them with power?
“These are the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy that the subtitle promises, and the author approaches them not as an outsider but as one who has watched our national journey closely and cared about where it leads.”
The governor said the Niger Delta had continued to bear a disproportionate share of the environmental consequences of Nigeria’s economic activities despite its significant contribution to the nation’s wealth.
“For us in the Niger Delta, these are not idle questions. Our region has carried much of the nation’s economic weight while bearing its heaviest environmental cost. Our creeks, farmlands and fishing waters tell that story more eloquently than any statistic,” he said.
Diri maintained that environmentalm restoration and the dignity of oil-producing communities must remain central to discussions about Nigeria’s future.
“Our people have earned a voice in shaping the federation, and books such as this one help to make that voice heard,” he added.
Jonathan: Nigeria Must Redefine Its National Identity
In his remarks, former President Jonathan described the book as a bold and timely contribution to national discourse, saying it reflected a lifetime of commitment to public service and national development.
Jonathan, who was represented by former Adamawa State Governor Boni Haruna, said Ekiye had served Bayelsa State and Nigeria in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom and distinction.
He noted that the book was grounded in the author's wealth of experience rather than mere theoretical arguments.
According to the former president, Nigeria has struggled since independence to define its national identity, determine its aspirations and establish a sustainable framework for peaceful coexistence.
“The title, Redefining Nigeria, is profound and timely. We are gathered here to discuss how to redefine the Nigerian state. Of course, since independence, Nigeria has been in search of a definition—who we are, what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people,” Jonathan said.
He argued that Nigeria could not become the nation of its citizens’ aspirations without purposeful leadership and a stronger democratic culture.
“The state we have is not yet the nation we desire, and the nation we desire cannot emerge without purposeful leadership, and purposeful leadership cannot thrive without deepening our democracy,” he added.
Jonathan also commended Ekiye for sustaining his intellectual contributions to the country's development, describing the publication as evidence of his enduring commitment to public service.
In his review of the book, Professor Godini Darah described the publication as encyclopaedic and thought-provoking, urging Nigerians to document their experiences and knowledge for the benefit of future generations.
He said the book examined issues surrounding petroleum resources in the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s democratic experience and the management of the country’s political affairs in the interest of the people.
Drawing attention to the author's comparison between political elites in Southeast Asian countries and their Nigerian counterparts, Darah attributed Nigeria’s limited development progress to a lack of genuine patriotism and visionary leadership among the political class.
He said political leaders in several Asian countries were focused on developing indigenous industries and strengthening their economies to compete globally, unlike their Nigerian counterparts, whom he accused of prioritising foreign corporate interests over domestic industrial growth.
“The Asian elites are developing their countries to meet up with the standards of America, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and so on. So, their politics is concerned about how their own multinational companies can match Julius Berger, Coca-Cola,” he said.
“In contrast, the Nigerian political elites are not struggling to put our products in the world market. They are rather struggling to be agents of Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and they are ready to sell this country for nothing.”
Igali Advocates Equity, Justice for Niger Delta
Earlier, the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali, commended Ekiye for documenting his reflections on Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development in a book that would serve as a valuable resource for future generations.
Igali, who also chaired the occasion, highlighted the deprivation suffered by the Niger Delta despite the region’s substantial contributions to the nation’s revenue over the years.
He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria could emerge as a united and prosperous country if its development was anchored on equity, fairness and justice.
The PANDEF chairman also congratulated Ekiye on the publication, emphasising the importance of books and intellectual contributions to individual growth, societal advancement and nation-building.
Ekiye: Book Offers Path to a New Nigeria
In his remarks, the author, Elder Braeyi Ekiye, described the publication as part of his continuing efforts to contribute to the emergence of a progressive Nigeria capable of standing proudly among nations as a united, secure and prosperous country.
He said the book was intended to stimulate reflection and constructive engagement on the country's political development, leadership challenges and democratic future.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr Fred Agbedi, who was represented by Chief Kelvin Tawari; the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Majesty Peremobowei Erebulu; and the Special Adviser to Governor Diri on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia.
The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, academics and other stakeholders to deliberate on Nigeria’s future and the need for Say capable of strengthening national unity, democratic governance and sustainable development.
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