NIGERIA GOVERNANCE - Gov. Diri, Bishop Kukah Fault Nigeria's Federalism

-SPECIAL REPORT-

NIGERIA GOVERNANCE - Gov. Diri, Bishop Kukah Fault Nigeria's Federalism

In a compelling critique of Nigeria’s political structure, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, have jointly decried the country’s flawed federalism, citing ethnicity, weak institutions, and disregard for the rule of law as persistent obstacles to democratic progress.

Their remarks were delivered at the third Annual Memorial Public Lecture held at Niger Delta University in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, in honor of Dr. Ayebakepreye Amba Ambaiowei, a revered advocate for minority rights and one of the state’s founding figures.

Governor Diri, represented by his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, argued that Nigeria has never truly practiced federalism since gaining independence in 1960. He pointed to the nationalist leaders of the era, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello, as having pursued regional and ethnic interests rather than fostering a unified federal system.

According to Diri, the political parties they led were regionally confined, undermining the principles of federalism even as they fought for liberation from colonial rule. He emphasized that unless Nigeria adopts a governance model that reflects the interests of all federating units and upholds the rule of law, democracy will remain fragile and elusive.

Bishop Kukah, delivering the keynote lecture, echoed these concerns and called for a national reckoning with the peculiarities of Nigeria’s democratic experience. He identified ethnicity and religion as corrosive forces that continue to divide the nation and weaken its federal structure. Kukah warned that these primordial sentiments fuel unhealthy rivalries and instability, making the dream of true federalism increasingly distant. Nevertheless, he urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better future, stressing that investment in infrastructure and inclusive governance could foster unity and national well-being.

The event also featured reflections from other prominent figures, including former Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. Gabriel Toby, who described Dr. Ambaiowei as a visionary nation builder. Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, lamented the marginalization of the state, noting that its creation with only eight local government areas was a disservice given its substantial contributions to Nigeria’s economy. Niger Delta University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Allen Agih, praised the lecture’s theme as timely and thanked the dignitaries for their participation.

The gathering served not only as a tribute to a pioneering figure but also as a platform for renewed calls to restructure Nigeria’s governance framework.

The consensus among speakers was clear: Nigeria must move beyond its current unitary tendencies and embrace a truly federal system that empowers all regions, respects diversity, and strengthens democratic institutions.