Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Matthew Atungwu
Published on 2024-03-19 14:49:31
Atunyota Akpobome, better known as Alibaba, is a prominent public affairs commentator and media entrepreneur in Nigeria. During a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program, he shared his opinion that some of Nigeria’s 36 states should actually be classified as local government areas. Alibaba pointed out that certain states were established by the military to accommodate specific commanders who were later appointed as administrators in those regions.
According to Alibaba, sub-regional governments that rely solely on federal allocations and are unable to generate sufficient revenue to sustain their operations should be reclassified as local government areas. He emphasized the need for states to be autonomous and self-sufficient rather than dependent on monthly allocations from the Federal Government.
Nigeria’s administrative structure has undergone significant changes since gaining independence from Britain in 1960. Initially, the country was divided into three regions – Northern, Western, and Eastern – with the addition of the Mid-Western region two years later. However, between 1967 and 1996, the military dismantled the regions and established 36 states along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, encompassing a total of 774 local government areas.
Alibaba criticized the creation of states to appease military officers, suggesting that some states lacked the necessary resources and infrastructure to function effectively as independent entities. He highlighted the imbalance in resource distribution and the over-reliance on federal allocations, which often leads to financial instability and governance challenges within certain states.
The veteran comedian delved into Nigeria’s history of governance, citing the decision by the federal military government to centralize financial resources and allocate funds through the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) as a turning point in the country’s fiscal management. Additionally, Alibaba criticized the 1999 Constitution, which was introduced during the transition from military rule to democratic governance under the leadership of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
In conclusion, Alibaba’s insights shed light on the structural issues within Nigeria’s governance system, particularly regarding the creation and sustainability of states. His call for a reevaluation of state classifications and financial autonomy underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure effective governance and economic development across all regions of the country.
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