Prof. Babafemi Adesina Badejo, a former head of political affairs at the United Nations-African Union (UN-AU) Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon plans for restructuring Nigeria and instead advocate for a return to the country’s pre-civil war confederal system of government.
Badejo believes that a confederal system would be the best solution for Nigeria and that Tinubu could achieve more than his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, if he continues on his current path.
In his inaugural lecture at Chrisland University in Abeokuta, Ogun State, titled “Interests,” Badejo expressed his pride in Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s achievements in the Western Region but noted that Nigeria derailed when emphasis shifted to the central government.
He highlighted the recognition by Col. Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and General Yakubu Gowon that a confederal Nigeria was necessary, but external and internal factors ultimately led to the civil war.
Badejo proposed that rebuilding Nigeria should begin with a confederal arrangement rather than focusing on restructuring, which he considers to be deceptive. He argued that the current militaristically centralized federalism, influenced by the military’s prolonged rule, needs to be replaced.
He suggested a confederation where power and responsibility are decentralized to regional entities, eliminating unnecessary expenses associated with regional governors and maintaining a focus on territorial governance.
Badejo believes this would encourage all regions to work harder and be less reliant on federal allocations.
Regarding corruption, Badejo expressed his belief that the challenges facing Nigeria’s institutions are beyond the control of Tinubu or any individual president.
He mentioned the incidents at the National Assembly, emphasizing the various interests involved and how corruption cannot be eradicated solely through the president’s efforts.
Badejo concluded that politics is driven by interests and oriented towards public service. He expressed regret over the shortcomings of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing the need for a confederal system as a way to address Nigeria’s current challenges effectively.
