Jonathan, Diri, Others Advocate True Fiscal Federalism For Nigeria’s Unity, Development At Ekiye’s Book Launch
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have called for true fiscal federalism as a pathway to addressing Nigeria’s national questions and achieving sustainable unity, equity and development.
The leaders made the call at the public presentation of a book 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, on Thursday.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, described the book as a timely contribution to national discourse, noting that its central themes raised fundamental questions about Nigeria’s political structure, leadership, democracy and the equitable distribution of power and resources.
According to the governor, these issues are critical to building the just, equitable and progressive nation Nigerians desire.
He noted that the concerns raised in the book were particularly relevant to the Niger Delta, a region that has contributed significantly to the nation’s economic development while bearing severe environmental consequences from oil exploration and exploitation.
Diri cited the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission as an important reference point in the quest for environmental justice and the restoration of affected communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to encouraging intellectual engagements that promote democracy, good governance and nation-building.
“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?” he asked.
The governor stressed that these questions were central to Nigeria’s search for a more inclusive and equitable federation.
“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 environmental restoration and the dignity of Niger Delta communities must remain central to discussions about Nigeria’s future.
He added that the people of the region deserved a stronger voice in shaping the federation, noting that books such as Ekiye’s could help advance the conversation.
Jonathan Describes Book as Timely Contribution to National Discourse
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the book as a bold and timely contribution to Nigeria’s national discourse, saying it reflected a lifetime of service, experience and commitment to national development.
Jonathan, who was represented by former Adamawa State Governor, Hon. Boni Haruna, commended Ekiye for serving Bayelsa State and the country in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom, diligence and distinction.
He observed that the book was grounded in practical experience rather than abstract theory, making it a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s political and institutional development.
According to the former president, Nigeria has continued to grapple with fundamental questions about its identity, aspirations and the principles upon which its diverse peoples can coexist peacefully since independence.
“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 building the nation Nigerians desire would require purposeful leadership and a stronger democratic foundation.
“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 further noted that the quality of conversations a nation has about itself significantly influences its development, commending Ekiye for contributing to that conversation through his latest publication.
Darah Faults Nigerian Political Elite
In his review of the book, Professor Godini Darah described Ekiye’s 413-page work as encyclopedic and thought-provoking, highlighting its relevance to Nigeria’s political development, resource management and democratic governance.
He emphasised the importance of documenting personal experiences, knowledge and reflections to educate future generations and contribute to nation-building.
Darah said the book examined issues surrounding petroleum resources in the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s democratic experience and the management of the country’s political system in the interest of the people.
Drawing attention to the author’s comparison between the political elites of Southeast Asian countries and their Nigerian counterparts, the reviewer attributed Nigeria’s limited progress to a shortage of patriotic and genuinely nationalistic leadership.
He argued that political elites in several Asian countries had focused on strengthening domestic industries and positioning their economies to compete globally, while their Nigerian counterparts had failed to demonstrate a comparable commitment to building indigenous productive capacity.
“The Asian elites are developing their countries to meet the standards of America, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and others. Their politics is concerned with how their own multinational companies can compete with Julius Berger and Coca-Cola,” Darah said.
He criticised what he described as the tendency of Nigerian political elites to pursue relationships with foreign oil companies rather than prioritise the development of local industries and products for international markets.
“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 and Chevron, and they are ready to sell this country for nothing,” he added.
Igali Calls for Equity, Fairness and Justice
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali, commended Ekiye for translating his reflections on Nigeria’s political and developmental challenges into a publication that would benefit future generations.
Igali, who also chaired the occasion as Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Forum, highlighted the longstanding challenges facing the Niger Delta despite its substantial contribution to Nigeria’s national revenue.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve lasting unity and prosperity if its political and economic structures were anchored on equity, fairness and justice.
The PANDEF chairman also congratulated Ekiye on the publication, stressing the importance of books in promoting intellectual growth, preserving knowledge and advancing national development.
Author Advocates a Progressive and United Nigeria
In his remarks, Ekiye described the book as part of ongoing efforts to contribute to the emergence of a progressive Nigeria capable of standing proudly among nations as a united, secure and prosperous country.
The author’s reflections address key questions surrounding the Nigerian state, national identity, leadership, democracy and the need for a governance structure that responds more effectively to the aspirations of the people.
The book launch attracted several prominent personalities, including 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 provided a platform for political leaders, scholars, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s political future and the reforms required to strengthen national unity, deepen democracy and promote sustainable development.
