Regional autonomy and effective control of resources remain essential cornerstones for the achievement of Nigeria’s independence. Fifty-six years after the country attained national sovereignty, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has clearly stressed that the adoption of genuine federalism is an imperative necessity for the consolidation of Nigeria’s independence.
A statement issued by the Western Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council, signed by the Information Officer, Comrade Tare Magbei, stated that genuine federalism requires just distribution of power and resources, a dimension that is currently lacking in Nigeria.
According to the statement: “To achieve true sovereignty, it is imperative to address the issue of resource ownership and management, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has long been marginalized despite its abundant natural resources.
“While Nigeria has enjoyed political independence for over six decades, economic independence – especially for resource-rich regions – has been stifled by a lack of control over their own resources. True federalism requires an equitable distribution of power and resources, far from our current reality.
“The existing structure fosters economic imbalance, with regions that contribute significantly to the national economy reaping the least benefits.”
Magbei argued that resource control would allow local governments and communities to develop at their own pace, ensuring that the wealth generated in a region is used to improve the lives of its people. “This is a pillar of true federalism,” he added.
He concluded by urging the Nigerian government to urgently embrace genuine federalism as a lasting solution to the country’s many challenges, stressing: “Until the regions are given full control over their resources, Nigeria’s independence will remain incomplete.”
This statement by the Ijaw Youth Council underscores the imperative of deep reform to ensure equitable distribution of power and wealth in Nigeria, which is a critical step towards a more just and prosperous nation. The challenge is therefore to the Nigerian government to move forward towards genuine federalism, as only then can Nigeria truly proclaim its independence in all its facets and ensure a brighter future for all its citizens.