Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s “deteriorating economic, political, and spiritual state,” cautioning that the nation is in serious jeopardy.
Speaking at a national dialogue on the Parliamentary Bill organized by the Parliamentary System Support Group in the House of Representatives, Aregbesola argued that the nation’s current path of inequality and insecurity is unsustainable.
Aregbesola, previously aligned with President Bola Tinubu, stated that Nigeria faces daily decline, with a wide gap between the wealthy few and the majority struggling with poverty. “Today, we see wealth concentrated in fewer hands than ever before, signaling a nation in deep trouble,” he said. He emphasized that economic and social rights must be protected, warning that, if denied, citizens may see revolution as the only viable option.
The discussion, moderated by former legislator Nnenna Ekeji, featured Aregbesola along with former Speaker of the House Yakubu Dogara, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Edoba Omoregie. The event highlighted a proposed shift to a parliamentary system as a means to strengthen governance in Nigeria.
Aregbesola advocated for the proposed constitutional amendment supporting a parliamentary system, suggesting that it could more effectively govern a diverse and populous country like Nigeria. He noted that the parliamentary model could curtail the “dictatorial tendencies” often observed in executive-led governments.
“The belief that one individual can govern a country of 220 million without adequate checks and balances is unrealistic,” he argued, adding that Nigeria’s colonial history should remind citizens of the dangers of unchecked power. Aregbesola implemented the parliamentary model at the local level during his tenure as governor and continues to support it as a solution to the nation’s challenges.
His statements come at a time of increased scrutiny on the Nigerian government, following arrests related to anti-government protests in August, some of which involved underage Nigerians charged with treason.
Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara also voiced support for a systemic overhaul, criticizing the drafters of Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution for selectively adopting aspects of the American presidential system without safeguards like impeachment provisions, which the U.S. Constitution includes. Dogara argued that this has led to unaccountable leadership, as there is no effective framework to hold an executive accountable through impeachment.
Dogara further addressed concerns that the proposed shift could allow President Tinubu to extend his influence by transitioning from president to prime minister. He suggested that, with appropriate constitutional reforms, this risk could be mitigated.
The dialogue also featured commentary from prominent figures, including Usman Bugaje, former Vice Chancellor Ango Abdullahi, and Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo, reflecting a widespread call among thought leaders to revisit Nigeria’s governance framework for a more equitable and stable future.
