Ike Nwachukwu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called for a return to true federalism, declaring that every Nigerian state is viable if granted the autonomy to harness its resources.
Nwachukwu made the remarks on Tuesday while chairing the public presentation of Tola Adeniyi: Chapters of Destiny, the autobiography of veteran journalist and public servant, Tola Adeniyi. The event took place at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, and drew dignitaries from across the country.
A retired Nigerian Army major general, former military governor of Imo State and one-time senator representing Abia North, Nwachukwu used the occasion to reiterate his advocacy for structural reforms, particularly the decentralisation of policing powers.
“Let me at this point speak on the need to return Nigeria to a true federal system of government, just the way our forefathers did many years ago,” he said. “They gave each region in Nigeria the freedom to use their resources to develop at their own pace. I dare say that there is no state in this country that is not viable.”
He maintained that all states possess sufficient human and mineral resources to drive development but emphasised that genuine autonomy is essential to unlocking that potential.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for advancing the state police initiative, Nwachukwu described Nigeria’s centralised policing arrangement as incompatible with federalism.
“We can’t have a federation where policing is unitary. A governor says he’s the chief security officer of the state but is unable to direct the police without authority from the Inspector General. That’s not proper. We must encourage the president to carry these reforms through to the point where we have a true federation,” he added.
Beyond his call for constitutional reforms, Nwachukwu praised Adeniyi as a principled intellectual who has consistently spoken truth to power.
“Tola has always stood out for his intellectual prowess, incisive mind, commitment to excellence, patriotism and courage to speak truth to power. He stands for equity, fairness and justice for all,” he said.
The autobiography traces Adeniyi’s 67-year career in mass communication, public service and the arts. He began as a stage actor in his school years and later rose to become Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria. He also served as a Federal Permanent Secretary in the Presidency and lectured at the University of Lancaster before relocating to Canada in 1996.
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