Bayelsa Leaders Fault Nigeria’s Federalism at Founding Father Memorial

Bayelsa Governor Senator Douye Diri and Bishop Matthew Kukah fault Nigeria’s federalism as they speak at Bayelsa Founding Father’s Memorial Lecture, identifying ethnicity and lack of rule of law as major impediments. Searching for more details for comprehensive rewriting and SEO.Bayelsa Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Tuesday faulted Nigeria’s brand of federalism, highlighting ethnicity, regionalism, and a lack of respect for the rule of law as major obstacles.

They spoke at the third Annual Memorial Public Lecture held by Niger Delta University (NDU) alongside Bayelsa’s Founding Fathers Forum, in honor of Bayelsa founding father Dr. Ayebakepreye Amba Ambaiowei at NDU’s auditorium in Southern Ijaw LGA.

Governor Diri, represented by his deputy Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, delivered a keynote on the lecture theme: “Convergence And Coalescence of Federalists As Imperative For The Survival of The Nigerian State.” He argued that since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 it has never practiced true federalism, citing that founding nationalists like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello pursued regional and ethnic interests rather than a genuine federal system. He stated that until Nigeria agrees on a system of government respecting all subnational units and the rule of law, democracy will remain elusive.

Diri paid tribute to Dr. Ambaiowei and other founding fathers for their roles in creating Bayelsa State, emphasizing Bayelsa’s developmental milestones achieved because of state creation.

Bishop Kukah delivered the guest lecture, stressing that Nigeria must address the unique challenges in its democracy to achieve inclusive governance. He described ethnicity, religion, and other primordial sentiments as potent threats that hinder true federalism and fuel unhealthy rivalries. Kukah encouraged optimism and called for investments in critical infrastructure to foster unity, interconnectivity, and national wellbeing.

Other speakers, including Dr. Gabriel Toby, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, called for Nigeria to embrace genuine federalism, warning against the stifling effects of the current unitarist tendencies.

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Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa and Chairman of Bayelsa Elders Council, stated that the creation of Bayelsa with just 8 LGAs should not be seen as a favour but rather a disservice to the state considering its economic contributions.

NDU Vice Chancellor Prof. Allen Agih described the lecture theme as timely and appreciated attendees including government officials and dignitaries such as Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, Ambassador Bolade Igali, Professor Franklin Osaisai, Chief Timi Kaiser Ogoriba, and Bishop Hyacinth Ogbebo.