I don’t believe in true federalism, says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he does not believe in the notion of true federalism.

Proponents of true federalism believe it will help address the problems of underdevelopment and bad governance witnessed in the country.

They believe devolving more powers to states will also put to bay the cries of marginalisation from various parts of the country.

But Obasanjo thinks such persons “don’t know what they are talking about”.

“I don’t believe in true federalism. What is true federalism?”, he said in an interview with African Arguments.

“Why are they (the states) not accountable? What powers do they not have? They have power.

“In fact, state governors are more powerful than the president. That’s the truth.

“(So) if anybody tells you they want devolution or true federalism, he doesn’t know what he is talking.”

Obasanjo insisted that some of those agitating for the sovereign state of Biafra do not know what the (Biafra) struggle is all about.

He, however, admitted that “the government’s military intervention – in the secessionist agitation – have “made things worse”.

“All youth in Nigeria have legitimate reasons to feel frustrated and angry,” he said.

“The protesters don’t even know what the struggle is all about, but if it gives them false hope, why not hang onto it?

“Let the elders handle it (the secessionist agitations) or ignore it until it loses momentum. There are elders in any community who are still respected… After all, they’re their fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, and can still be used effectively.”

He also said President Muhammadu Buhari has not done “enough ” in the area of youth employment, especially with regards to sustainability.

“Is Buhari doing enough about it (youth employment)? I don’t believe he is. Can he do enough about it? Of course he can.

“He (Buhari) has tried to keep on going in the area of agribusiness, but not enough. It is not yet enough to prepare the ground for uninhibited growth of the economy, which we need.

“Youth empowerment, skill acquisition and youth employment – education must be able to do that. If you do that, the ticking bomb of possible youth explosion out of restiveness and anger will subside.”