Opinion

Should The Six Geopolitical Zones Become Federating Units In Nigeria?

Published

13 years ago

February 11, 2013

One issue that is critical to the development of the country is the high cost of governance. Thus, Nigerians have had cause to suggest the collapsing of the 36 states structure in favour of the six geo-political zones as federating units.

Following this, The Tide correspondent, Calista Ezeaku sought the views of Nigerians on the issue.

Excerpts

Ordinarily, on paper, we say we practise a federated State. But in practice, that is not the true position because if you say you practice true federalism, the states should mange their own resources and give a certain percentage to the federal government. But what is in practice in the country is a situation where by the federal government controls all the resources and dishes out to the state the way it pleases it. That is not true federalism. So as a country we need to practise true federalism by allowing the states manage their own resources.

So obviously, I am in support of the six geo political zones becoming federating units. These units will manage their resources and give to the federal government what ever percentage they have agreed as a democratic body, as people who have agreed to stay together as a nation. They give back to the federal government a percentage of their earnings. If this is truly practised, the states individually whether geopolitical or as they are right now, will want to make sure that they produce and make the economy of their states blossom because now they will no longer be relying on the federal government. The federal government will rather be relying on them to sustain its structure.

But now, it is the other way round. The federal government is the almighty structure on ground. While the states look up to it for their allocations. Because of this some states do not produce any thing. They just sit back and wait for the allocation to come from the federal government, whether they work or not. Meanwhile, other states are doing every thing to get resources out and every other state is depending on it. But by the time it is the other way round and practiced the way it should be practiced, each state will begin to look in ward and produce something.

The heavens have endowed each state with something but rather the drive for quick out money is killing the other sectors of the economy. But if true federalism is allowed, every state will begin to produce and see the potentials that they have. They will explore it and it will be to the maximum use of the nation as a whole and the so called power of the federal government because of the money that is there right now, will be minimized.

Although there are some fears that if the states become autonomous, the black man knowing who we are we’ll want to be effective in our power because there may be no limitation but if the government is ready for it, every thing will be well spelt out. And one of the things that will help is the removal of immunity clause for our leaders, because if any body who is in a place of authority violates the rights of other people because he is an autonomous government, a state governor as it were, and do things the way he ought not to do, if he knows that he can be fired even while there, I think it will help resolve a lot of issues.

Mrs Lilian Okonkwo, Journalist

Well I think the six geopolitical zones should become federated units in Nigeria because that will give the people a voice and bring about rapid development of the country. Before now, we had three regions – the Eastern, Western and Northern which functioned very effectively. So, I think if the six zones become federated units, governance will be easier and it will give a voice to every ethnic group in Nigeria. Of course you know that the geopolitical zones we have now is not constitutional.

They were created out of political need. But when you make them federated units, it becomes constitutional, go there is this request now that it should be constitutionalised, although some people in the north are kicking against it. Those of them who feel that democracy is a game of number are saying that they have over 50 percent of Nigeria’s population, so equating them with other zones like South South and south who they say are lower in number, will affect them, while these other people in the south feel it will help them.

So the geo-political zones were created as a political need, to reach out to every ethnic group in the country. And if it is serving that purpose, then why not constitutionalise it and make them federated units.

But even when you make the zones federated units and true federalism is not practiced, there will still be problem. Let there be true federalism. Nigeria is a Federal Republic but we have several issues as a result of not practicing federalism in the true sense of it.

So, what ever we are doing, let us do it right. The emphasis is on doing it right. If we do it right it’s going to work. I will also advise that politicians should forget about political or self interest and work for the good of the country.

Mr Ikechi Akpuh:

The original aim of creating the six geopolitical zones was to harness the multi-ethnic interests in Nigeria. So the zones were politically divided. But since then it has not actually yielded the desired result. So, I don’t think if the current geopolitical zones become federated units, it will really make any difference.

The truth is that the six geopolitical zones have caused more problems because it helps to promote ethnic interest. Everybody wants to attract things to his / her zone and by that they have forgotten about Nigeria as an entity. Making the six geo-political zones, federated units will not solve the problems in Nigeria. The only solution is that we should respect our constitution and forget about the geo-political zones. Nigeria is an entity. Our interest should be Nigeria and Nigeria alone. Any thing outside Nigeria and the constitution of Nigeria will cause more problem. Let us obey our constitution and remain one Nigeria.

I call for true federalism as an entity called Nigeria and not six federating units in one country. Those things will cause more problems and promote ethnic interest. And when a country is going like that, it’s a time bomb.

Mr Goddy Ekikpoye, Student

I think the six geopolitical zones should become federated units, because they are closer to the people that the current system of government in Nigeria, where the interest of some people, especially the minority groups are not protected it will bring government nearer to the people and there will be faster development of the units and in effect, the entire country. I don’t think there is any need pretending that the federal system we have in place now is working when we know that it is not working. Let the six geopolitical zones – South South, South East, South West, North West, North East and Central be made federated unit.

Yon see, one characteristics of the six zones is that they are made up of people that have one or two things in common language, culture, history or what have you. So, let each zone form its government, administer, themselves and manager their resources and the heads of the units may be premires or what ever, will be accountable to the President of the Federal Republic.

This will promote healthy competition among the units and all of them will strive discover and develop their potentials instead of all the states relying on oil Monday as it is presently the case.

Mr Augustine Taneeh, Publisher.

In my opinion, making the six geo-political zones federating units is not a bad idea. But the snag we have in the country is implementation. For example, we say we are operating a federal system of government. We have federal, state and local government. It has never worked. You find a situation where the federal government will like to control the states and the states want to control the local governments.

So, the federating units will only work when we have respect for the rule of law. But if we don’t have respect for the rule of law, it will just be on paper and on our lips and it will not be put into practice. Ideally, becoming federating units will make the zones autonomous and bring out rapid development in the country but will the federated units be given the free hand to practice true federalism, so for the federated units to produce the expected good results, they should be allowed to operate and manage themselves and their resources. That is why I said we should have respect for the rule of law because if we have respect for the rule of law, you’ll know that these are autonomous states, these are wheat they should do one their own, you allow them. For example, look at what is happening in the country today the local government areas are not allowed to use their allocations freely. You see the state government fingering into local government allocations. So the bottom line is respect for rule of law.

Barr Piomikei Amadi-Operaeli, Lawyer

Opinion

Beyond the Adichie Tragedy

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:: “Justice must never depend on fame, wealth, or connections. The child of a roadside trader deserves the same standard of care as the child of a globally celebrated writer. When accountability works only for the prominent, public trust in institutions quietly erodes.”

Public reaction to the suspension of doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) following the death of the son of celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reveals something deeper than outrage over a single tragedy. Across social media and public commentary, a recurring sentiment stands out: many Nigerians believe justice was served only because of the prominence of the family involved. Comments such as “The doctors were punished because Chimamanda is well known,” or “If it was a poor man’s child, the case would have been swept under the carpet,” capture a troubling lack of faith in the system.

Whether these perceptions are always accurate is not the most important issue. What should concern the nation is that so many citizens instinctively believe that justice in Nigeria often depends on status, wealth, or influence.The tragedy that befell the Adichie family is heartbreaking. No parent should have to bury a child, particularly under circumstances that raise questions about professional responsibility. But beyond the grief lies a larger national concern: medical negligence in Nigeria is far more widespread than the few cases that attract public attention. Across the country, families quietly lose loved ones in hospitals and clinics under troubling circumstances. Patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. Emergency cases may be delayed. Surgical procedures may be mishandled, while basic standards of care can be compromised due to negligence, poor supervision, or systemic pressure on medical staff.

In many situations, grieving families simply accept their loss and move on, believing there is little they can do. The result is what can only be described as a silent epidemic of unreported medical negligence.In more developed healthcare systems, such incidents rarely go unexamined. Independent regulatory bodies investigate complaints, enforce professional standards, and sanction erring practitioners. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the Care Quality Commission inspects hospitals, clinics, and care providers to ensure strict compliance with safety and quality standards.Nigeria does have oversight institutions, notably the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. However, enforcement often appears inconsistent, and many cases of negligence never reach the stage where regulators can intervene. Sometimes victims are unaware of the complaint process. In other cases, fear, cost, or bureaucracy discourage families from seeking justice.

While government institutions must improve their oversight mechanisms, citizens must also confront a difficult truth: Nigerians often fail to pursue their rights when they are violated. Too frequently, when injustice occurs, people retreat into resignation. Instead of filing complaints or seeking legal remedies, many respond with the familiar phrase: “God will judge them.” Faith is important, but it should not replace civic responsibility. A society that leaves accountability solely to divine intervention risks allowing negligence and impunity to flourish. Some commentators have suggested that the Adichie family likely pursued the matter relentlessly through petitions and formal complaints before authorities acted. If that is the case, it demonstrates a path other citizens can follow. When malpractice occurs, persistence in seeking justice can make institutions respond.

If more families reported cases of medical negligence to the appropriate authorities, regulatory bodies would have stronger grounds to investigate. Public pressure would also push healthcare institutions to improve their standards. Negligence, as defined by Nigeria’s Supreme Court in Odinaka v. Moghalu, refers to the failure to do what a reasonable and prudent person would have done under similar circumstances. Within medical ethics, physicians are expected to provide competent care with compassion and respect for human dignity. These principles form the foundation of the duty of care that patients rely upon. Citizens must therefore be able to recognise signs of negligence and take appropriate steps to seek redress. Patients and families should learn to document incidents, keep medical records, ask questions about treatment decisions, and report suspicious circumstances surrounding medical care.

Where necessary, formal complaints should be lodged with regulatory authorities or pursued through the courts. Civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and the media also play a crucial role. By exposing cases of negligence and demanding accountability, they help ensure such incidents do not disappear into silence. A healthcare system shielded from scrutiny cannot improve. Nevertheless, responsibility cannot rest solely on citizens. Government must take decisive steps to strengthen healthcare regulation and reduce medical negligence. Hospitals and clinics—both public and private—should undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with professional standards, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines. Persistent violations must attract meaningful sanctions. Legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba has suggested the creation of an independent health regulatory authority and the restoration of Chief Medical Officers at federal and state levels.

In the past, these officials, alongside health inspectors, helped enforce professional standards and ensured accountability within healthcare facilities. Government must also invest more seriously in the training and continuous education of healthcare professionals. Medicine is an evolving field, and practitioners must constantly update their knowledge and skills. Mandatory professional development programmes, stricter licensing renewal requirements, and improved mentorship systems could help reduce errors arising from outdated practices or inadequate training. At the same time, systemic challenges within the healthcare system cannot be ignored. Many Nigerian doctors and nurses work under extremely difficult conditions—overcrowded hospitals, outdated equipment, staff shortages, and overwhelming patient loads. Such pressures increase the risk of mistakes and professional burnout.

Improving healthcare infrastructure, funding, and staffing is therefore not merely an administrative matter; it is a fundamental requirement for patients’ safety. Equally important is transparency when allegations of negligence arise. Investigations must be timely, credible, and accessible. Families deserve to know what happened to their loved ones and whether professional standards were breached. Regulatory bodies must ensure that findings are communicated clearly so that public confidence in the healthcare system is strengthened. The tragedy that drew national attention to medical negligence should not be treated as an isolated incident involving a prominent personality. Rather, it should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform.

Every Nigerian life carries equal value. Justice must not depend on prominence or privilege. When citizens demand accountability and institutions respond with fairness and transparency, trust begins to grow. Nigeria’s health sector is filled with dedicated doctors, nurses, and medical workers who save lives daily despite difficult conditions. Recognising their commitment, however, should not prevent society from confronting the reality that negligence sometimes occurs—and when it does, it must be addressed firmly. If this painful moment encourages Nigerians to speak up, demand accountability, and push for stronger regulatory systems, it may yet produce meaningful reform. Citizens must refuse to accept negligence as fate, while government strengthens oversight and improves healthcare conditions. Only through this collective effort can Nigeria build a healthcare system where every patient—regardless of social status—receives safe, responsible, and dignified care.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

As The World Celebrates Women

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:” “Every woman who works tirelessly to raise her children, run a business, support her family or contribute to her community is shaping the future of society. These quiet, everyday efforts may not always make headlines, but they remain the foundation upon which strong families, communities and nations are built.”

The celebration of International Women’s Day offers another important moment to reflect on the strength, resilience and achievements of women across the world. It is a time not only to celebrate the progress made over the years, but also to recognise the courage, determination and commitment that continue to define women’s contributions in every sphere of society. Across the globe, women are steadily breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. From leadership and governance to science, education and enterprise, women continue to prove that their capacity to contribute meaningfully to development is limitless. Particularly inspiring are the strides being made by women across Africa and here in Nigeria. In many instances, these achievements are recorded despite limited access to resources and opportunities when compared with their counterparts in other parts of the world. Yet, through determination, hard work and resilience, women continue to rise above these challenges and make their mark

In Nigeria today, the role of women in national development is increasingly evident. Women are actively shaping policies, building businesses, strengthening institutions and supporting communities. Their influence can be seen in sectors such as healthcare, education, media, technology and public administration. Through dedication and innovation, they contribute significantly to the growth and stability of the nation. In Rivers State, women have also distinguished themselves in remarkable ways. Across different sectors, they continue to make meaningful contributions to the political, economic and social advancement of the state. Many are thriving as entrepreneurs, running successful businesses, supporting their families and creating opportunities for others. Others are making valuable contributions within the healthcare sector, working tirelessly as doctors, nurses and administrators to improve the wellbeing of communities.

Women in the state are also excelling in academia, nurturing young minds and contributing to knowledge through teaching and research. In the media and communication sector, they play critical roles in information dissemination, shaping public conversations and telling the stories that matter to society. Within government institutions and the civil service, women continue to demonstrate professionalism, competence and dedication to duty. Over the years, Rivers State has produced women whose accomplishments have earned them respect and admiration both within and outside the state. The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, stands as one such example. A seasoned academic and public servant, she continues to demonstrate the capacity of women to contribute meaningfully to governance and policy development. Her presence in such a high office serves as encouragement to young women who aspire to leadership and public service.

Similarly, the Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi S. I. Brown, has demonstrated strong leadership within the public service. Her role in coordinating and strengthening the activities of the civil service reflects years of dedication, professionalism and commitment to service. Another notable example is Justice Mary Odili, whose distinguished career in the judiciary stands as a testament to discipline, excellence and commitment to justice. Her years of service at the highest level of Nigeria’s judicial system have made her a respected figure and a source of inspiration to many. While these women have earned public recognition for their contributions, it is equally important to acknowledge the countless women whose efforts often go unnoticed. Across homes, workplaces and communities, many women continue to make sacrifices that sustain families and strengthen society. Every woman who works tirelessly to raise her children, run a business to support her family, contribute to community development or serve diligently in her workplace is also making a significant impact.

These everyday efforts, often carried out quietly, remain vital to the growth and stability of society. As we reflect on the significance of this occasion, it is important to remember that every woman’s contribution matters. Whether in leadership positions or within the everyday responsibilities of life, the role of women remains central to the progress of our communities.To every woman striving to achieve her dreams despite the challenges along the way, your efforts are valid, seen and meaningful. Your journey matters. Your resilience, dedication and determination continue to inspire hope for a better and more inclusive society.

Happy International Women’s Day.

By: Ledornubari@star

Opinion

Agony In Ivory Tower

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

Quote: A university that tolerates missing scripts, result manipulation and ‘sorting’ is not merely failing students—it is quietly destroying the moral foundation of education itself.”

The sad cases of missing scripts, compulsory Sorting, inputting of wrong results and other obnoxious practices in some public universities, leave much to be desired. One cannot imagine how a student will be compelled to suffer consequences of the flagrant negligence of a Head of Department, a lecturer, Department staff or an ICT staff.Many academic and non academic staff in several public universities seem to be performing far below standard, thus unproductive to the university system. The unacceptable cases of sorting, missing scripts, missing results, inputting of wrong grades to students, should not be mentioned in a university, not even in any academic community. This is because people who are employed to work in various positions should have cognate work experience and unquestionable competence. They should not be seen as certificate welding illiterates but people who have been proven to be worthy in learning and character, diligent and competent to carry out assigned responsibilities with minimal or no supervision.

The university as a citadel of learning should boast of men of integrity, people who are repositories of applied knowledge and competence to drive the much desired holistic development in a nation that functions on quality teaching and learning. A situation where a student having gone through the crucibles of learning and written a prescribed semester examination or class-based evaluation test, is told that his or her script is missing or that he or she did not participate in that academic exercise, or must sort to pass, is an unpardonable error and a height of callousness. In fact some lecturers and staff of Departments are using the seeming systemic defect (which is their architecture) as an opportunity to extort students. Sometimes it is discovered much to students chagrin that the supposed missing script was later discovered when a ransom was paid.

Since a lecturer, or Head of Department has in their disposal both Yam and the knife and determines who takes what (if they wish to give without strings), students have no alternative but to submit to their importunate demands in order to graduate at record time.Such practices should be unheard of in an institution that should be a vanguard of moral and ethical values and conduct. What people learn in school constitute their behavioural patterns in the society. Where the school as an agency of socialisation cannot drive positive change first in its immediate environment, then the objective of education as a bedrock for the development of society, is inevitably compromised and counter-productive. The German Reformer, Dr. Martins Luther was quoted as saying, “I advise parents not to put their wards or children in any school where the Bible is not being used as a rule of life because such institutions will unnecessarily be corrupt”.

Gleaning from Luther’s sentiment one can deduce that the lack of respect and regard for values as well as the absence of the fear of God is the greatest undoing of most public schools. Another major challenge is that lack of Information, Communication and Technology literacy or compliance on the part of some lecturers and heads of department, may have informed the decision to give students’ scripts to secretaries to compile and input students results thereby making the secretaries the determinants of students’ fate. It is not saying a new thing that some of the secretaries in the process of compiling results have inputted wrong results, omitted names or down graded some students or given unmerited grades to others.Society today is ICT-driven and ICT-literacy enhances efficiency, speed and a reasonable degree of accuracy if the person behind the computer is level headed, articulate, competent, alive to responsibilities and is aware that negligence on his or her part is not only tantamount to a disservice to the university but to the students who may not graduate at record time because of his or her (computer operator’s) gross ineptitude or carelessness.

The ICT era makes the carrying of hard copy of results obsolete as lecturers through the Heads of Department can log on to the central server of the Exams and Records (if any) or ICT unit and input students’ results directly. By so doing the incessant cases where result on spread sheet is different from the one published online, more often than not, caused by abject negligence, will be avoided. The process will also end the intermediary services of some staff in the universities’ Information, Communication and Technology Department which has become a money spinner-a lucrative source of income to many of them. In fact some ICT staff reserved the power to award grades to students depending on students’ degree of compliance to terms and conditions. They can dubiously make or unmake a student. The university community should be considered too lofty to have careless, negligent, immoral and academic or professionally deficient people as academic or non-academic staff.

The Governing Councils and Senates of universities should be proactive in addressing the menace of missing Script, inputting of wrong results and sorting. This is necessary to end the slogan “Education is scam” so the system can produce quality students who are truly found worthy in learning and in character by operators who exemplify diligence, moral and ethical values. The much-needed reform must begin within the institutions themselves, because the future of any society is shaped in its classrooms.

By: Igbiki Benibo