Without proper federalism, we are deceiving ourselves – Former Calabar Archbishop, Tunde Adeleye

Former Archbishop of the Calabar Anglican Diocese, Tunde Adeleye, has emphasized that Nigeria must embrace genuine federalism to overcome its sociopolitical challenges. He stressed the necessity of granting full autonomy to all sub-national entities, enabling them to operate independently without relying entirely on the central government.

Adeleye made these remarks yesterday evening in response to a lecture delivered by Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi of the Anglican Diocese of Ika, titled “Recovering Nigeria Through Transformative Leadership.” The Anglican Church organized the 2nd Birthday Colloquium in honor of Adeleye in Calabar, marking his retirement two years ago.

Adeleye said, “The biggest problem Nigeria is having is the disregard of true federalism. The country should adopt the truest form of federalism, not what is practised now. Each federating unit should have its own police, independent parliament, legal system, school system, control of its resources, etc.

“We should not be waiting for the centre to direct on every basic issues which the subnational cannswiftly execute

“It shouldn’t be compulsory to have schools have the same system. It’s not workable to have people from the South or West posted to the north to do police duties when they’re not familiar with the locals or nooks and crannies.

“Without proper federalism we are deceiving ourselves.”

“The cry for mighty men with transformational leadership is a call to reawaken the young Nigerians to the norms, value and imperative realities.

“Let Nigerians set their priorities right and do everything possible to maintain the legacies which have been laid down for us. If this is done faithful men shall be raised that will represent us in the political spectrum of our country.”