A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and a delegate to the ongoing national conference Chief Olabode George, has told those clamoring for the return of regionalism to forget it saying it is no longer a viable option for Nigeria.
The Lagos born politician stated this while addressed newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.
It will be recalled that the debate on regionalism and removal of the immunity clause had continued to generate heated arguments at the ongoing National Conference.
George, who is a member of the Committee on Politics and Governance at the conference, argued that “statetism’’ had come to stay in Nigeria.
“We tried the analysis at the confab, and 33 out of the 36 states representatives said no.
“If states that think they are not very viable to stay alone are so concerned about survival, then let them merge via referendum of their people.
“The idea of regionalism was muted by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to recognise minorities on both sides of the divide.
“I do not see many states agreeing to be ruled again by one premier. It cannot work.”
He said there was the need for economic cooperation among all the federating states which, he said, would make more sense.
According to him, Nigeria is better off with a presidential system of government, based on the principle of zoning.
He said that Nigeria’s democracy would not have lasted this long if not for the zoning arrangement.
“With zoning, every region has something to go home with. If Nigeria wants to practise true federalism, the Federal Government should concern itself with the states.
“Let the states decide how many councils they want, but sharing will be on two levels. The councils will cease to be part of the national sharing,” he said.
