DECENTRALIZATION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: INSIGHTS FROM HANA RAWHITI’S ERUPTION

Abstract

Decentralization as a groundwork for governance has emerged in the capacity of a pivotal solution to address Nigeria's economic crisis, ethnic tensions, insecurity, historical marginalization, resolve conflicts alongside bad governance, promote regional autonomy, ensure inclusive governance, and accommodate the country's diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious composition. Drawing inspiration from Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, the youngest Māori member of the Australian parliament, who resolutely opposed policies undermining the stability, cultural and economic wellbeing of her indigenous tribe, this study explores the transformative potential of regional autonomy in Nigeria. Employing a qualitative methodology that incorporates both primary and secondary means of data collection, the research addresses the gap in scholarly discourse on how decentralized governance can harmonize Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups while bolstering development, cultural cum religious harmony alongside tolerance, peace, coalescence and security. Using phenomenological, hermeneutical, and content analysis approaches, the study examines the lived experiences of marginalized communities, interprets socio-political narratives, and analyzes policy documents to delineate the systemic issues of centralized governance, with the Ethno territorial Federalism Theory serving as the theoretical foundation to reinforce its arguments. The findings emphasize that, akin to Rawhiti's advocacy, decentralization can empower Nigeria's regions to self-determine culturally sensitive policies, mitigating marginalization and enhancing equitable development. Recommendations include the adoption of a robust decentralized framework that devolves significant fiscal and administrative powers to regional governments, the establishment of mechanisms for equitable resource sharing to reduce inter-ethnic grievances, and the institutionalization of culturally inclusive governance structures to ensure sustainable development. This study contributes to the discourse by offering an empirically grounded roadmap