Jonathan, Diri, Others Seek True Federalism to Address Nigeria’s Unity, Development Challenges
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA — Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have called for a more equitable federal system that promotes fairness in resource allocation, strengthens democracy and fosters national unity as Nigeria continues to grapple with questions of governance and development.
The leaders made the call on Thursday at the public presentation of Redefining Nigeria: Essays on State, Nation, Leadership and Democracy, authored by Elder Braeyi Ekiye, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
Representing Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, PhD, described the book as a timely contribution to national discourse, noting that its central themes addressed fundamental questions about the relationship between the Nigerian state, its citizens and those entrusted with political leadership.
He said the issues raised in the book were critical to building a just, equitable and progressive nation, adding that the author challenged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s political structure, the distribution of power and resources, and the responsibilities of leaders to the people.
According to the governor, the concerns highlighted in the publication were particularly relevant to the Niger Delta, a region that has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth while bearing the severe environmental consequences of oil exploration and exploitation.
He cited the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission as an important reference point in the pursuit of environmental justice and the restoration of communities affected by decades of oil-related pollution.
Diri maintained that the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta must remain central to conversations about Nigeria’s future, stressing that communities in the region deserved a stronger voice in determining the direction of the federation.
He said: “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?”
The governor described the book as a product of the author’s close observation of Nigeria’s political journey and expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting engagements that advance democracy, good governance and nation-building.
In his remarks, former President Jonathan, represented by former Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Boni Haruna, described the publication as a bold and timely contribution to Nigeria’s national conversation.
Jonathan commended Ekiye for documenting his experiences and reflections on the country’s political and social development, describing the book as evidence of a life dedicated to public service.
He noted that the author had served Bayelsa State and Nigeria in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom and diligence, adding that the publication drew from practical experience rather than abstract political theories.
The former president observed that Nigeria had struggled since independence to establish a clear understanding of its national identity, shared aspirations and the principles necessary for peaceful coexistence.
He argued that the country’s desired future could not be achieved without purposeful leadership and a democratic system capable of responding to the needs and aspirations of the people.
“The state we have is not yet the nation we desire, and the nation we desire cannot emerge without a purposeful leadership, and a purposeful leadership cannot thrive without deepening our democracy,” he said.
Jonathan urged Nigerians to engage critically with the issues raised in the book, noting that the quality of national conversations played a significant role in determining the direction and progress of any country.
Reviewing the publication, Professor Godini Darah described the 413-page work as encyclopedic and thought-provoking, emphasising the importance of documenting personal experiences, historical developments and intellectual reflections for the benefit of future generations.
He 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 public interest.
Darah also criticised the attitude of Nigeria’s political elite, comparing it unfavourably with the leadership culture in several Southeast Asian countries, where political and economic leaders prioritised domestic industrial development and international competitiveness.
He argued that Nigeria’s inability to achieve comparable progress was partly attributable to a lack of patriotic leadership and a failure to build strong indigenous industries capable of competing in the global market.
According to him, while political elites in some Asian countries work to strengthen their national economies and multinational corporations, their Nigerian counterparts often pursue interests that serve foreign oil companies rather than developing local capacity.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, commended Ekiye for transforming his reflections on Nigeria into a publication that would preserve his ideas and serve as a resource for future generations.
Igali highlighted the economic and environmental challenges confronting the Niger Delta despite the region’s substantial contributions to Nigeria’s national revenue.
He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve lasting unity and prosperity if its leaders embraced equity, fairness and justice as the foundations of governance and national development.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Forum and chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr. Boma Sperojack, also congratulated the author, stressing the importance of books in promoting intellectual development, preserving knowledge and strengthening nation-building.
In his remarks, Ekiye described the publication as part of his continuing effort to contribute to the emergence of a new Nigeria that would be united, secure and prosperous.
He said the work reflected his desire to stimulate constructive engagement on the country’s political evolution and encourage Nigerians to consider the leadership choices and institutional reforms necessary for national progress.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, 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 public presentation brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, elder statesmen and other stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the prospects for building a more inclusive and prosperous federation.
