POLITICAL RESTRUCTURING AND SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ANALYSIS OF NIGERIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE, 1999-JULY 2021

Abstract

Nigeria inherited an unbalanced federal structure from her colonial master, Britain, leading to persistent agitations to better the lives of the masses. The paper gave conceptual explication of restructuring and sustainable development. It adopted the structural functionalist theory as theoretical framework and collected data from secondary sources. Furthermore, the paper pointed out some issues that needed to be restructured in Nigerian federalism as contained in the constitution. It was discovered that the Nigerian federalism is devoid of nationalism and patriotism at the national level. The research unearths some abnormalities in the Nigerian federation. On that note, the paper recommended imperative restructuring of the federal system and change of constitution anchored on the premise that political structure and system are seen and used as the engine and agent that drive the entire nation. Underdevelopment as seen in Nigeria today is as a result of bad federal structure that has led to bad governances, giving birth to corruption, tribalism, friction, marginalization, agitations, insecurity and other anti-social vices. Development will be a mirage in an atmosphere of insecurity and friction. The asymmetrical imbalances in the federal system are responsible for poor governance and leadership style, leading to other factors that have quagmire national unity and development. The political system, including the constitution, needs to be restructured and amended to accommodate all the issues that have been on the front burner for equity and justice, considering the pluralistic and heterogeneous nature of the Nigerian nation. Restructuring will be like a rebirth if properly done. People should be called for renegotiation and dialogue on how they wish to be governed and live together, or the contrary. Agreement will not lead to friction and dissatisfaction; rather, it will produce a healthy united nation where peace and development can be achieved and sustained. The paper concluded that there should be reorientation and sensitization of the people about restructuring and practice of true fiscal federalism that will guarantee national unity and national development through restructuring.