According to Punch Newspaper, Elder statesman and National Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, recently spoke on the pressing need for Nigeria to revisit the agitation for restructuring. He expressed his views on various national issues, including the rising tension in Rivers State and the ongoing feud between Governor Sim Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Clark’s comments have reignited discussions about the structure and governance of the Nigerian state.

Clark noted that there are widespread claims that the northern part of Nigeria tends to develop cold feet whenever the topic of restructuring is brought up. He questioned why northern governors frequently visit the President in Abuja instead of focusing on their states. According to Clark, if these governors concentrated on their states, they would not have time for frequent visits to the federal capital. He implied that such visits indicate a lack of proper commitment to their responsibilities within their respective states.

Citing the 1999 Constitution, Clark highlighted Section 5.2, which clearly states that state governments are autonomous and not subject to the Federal Government. He emphasized that there are numerous court judgments supporting this constitutional provision. Clark’s remarks suggest that the frequent interactions between northern governors and the President may undermine the autonomy of state governments, as enshrined in the constitution.

In addition to the constitutional issues, Clark addressed the rising tension in Rivers State, where a lingering feud between Governor Sim Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike continues to cause concern. He suggested that resolving this conflict requires adherence to constitutional principles and a focus on the autonomy of state governance. The ongoing discord in Rivers State exemplifies broader governance challenges that could be mitigated through proper restructuring.

He said: Why would they not develop cold feet? Tell me the week you don’t have a northern governor coming to visit (the President) in Abuja. If they concentrate on their states, they won’t have time to come to Abuja. It is because they are not doing their job properly.

They are not committed. Section 5.2 of the 1999 Constitution states it very clearly that the state government is autonomous, not subject to the Federal Government. Of course, there are many court judgments on this.