‘Constitution amendment can’t solve Nigeria’s problems’

Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kabiru Mato, says constitution amendment cannot solve Nigeria’s problems.

According to him, Nigeria’s problems can only be solved if Nigerians themselves their attitude towards one another.

He said this yesterday while presenting a lead paper at a conference themed ‘Restructuring and Federalism in Nigeria’, organised by the Department of History, Kaduna State University.

The professor of Political Science from University of Abuja reiterated that constitution change could not guarantee the needed peace in the country except Nigerians embrace peace and accept one another as equal members of the union.

Because of the attitude of Nigerians, bad the country is bedeviled with corruption, religious and ethnic sentiments and all forms of social ills which pose challenges on the country,” he said.

He canvassed for devolution of power, saying state and local governments deserve more power, fund and more responsibilities because they are closer to the people.

The state deputy governor, Barnabas Bantex, who represented Governor Nasir El-Rufai, said Nigeria would thrive as a federation if more power is given to the states.

He noted that the current pressure for reform was because what Nigerians anticipated from the federal structure was unattainable.

He therefore advised that the revenue sharing formula be adjusted with more funds to the states and local government areas to fast track development at the grassroots.