The Renewed Kaduna Restoration Group, (RKRG), has released a draft Memorandum urging the 10th National Assembly to consider significant amendments to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in response to growing calls for political and economic restructuring in Nigeria.
In a draft Memorandum, issued at the end of its meeting yesterday, the group’s recommendations addressed critical issues ranging from devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, and state policing, to the form of government and the recognition of federating units.
The RKRG is advocating for the devolution of certain federal powers to States and local governments, particularly in areas like agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, and power generation. The Group argues that decentralising these responsibilities would improve service delivery by bringing government services closer to the people and reducing delays.
The Memorandum strongly opposed any restructuring proposals that violate the current Constitutional framework, including the creation of new states or merging existing ones into six geo-political zones. RKRG insists that such actions would require constitutional amendments, warning that references to geo-political zones have no legal basis and undermine the constitutional integrity of the federation.
Highlighting the misuse of local government councils by State governments, the RKRG called for full autonomy for local councils. The group proposes abolishing joint accounts between states and local governments, granting financial independence to local legislative councils, and synchronising local government elections with state and federal elections.
On fiscal federalism, RKRG emphasised the need for States to have greater control over resources derived from their territories. The group calls for a return to the 2002 Supreme Court ruling on the onshore-offshore oil revenue dichotomy, advocating that oil-producing States retain control over their onshore resources while the Federal Government maintains control over offshore resources.
The Group also recommended the removal of the Immunity Clause which protects the President, Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies from prosecution. The RKRG argued that the clause has been abused, leading to widespread corruption, and its removal would promote accountability at all levels of government.
The Group also proposed retaining the presidential system but with significant reforms to reduce the cost of governance. The group suggested a unicameral legislature at both the federal and State levels and advocates for financial autonomy for the judiciary and legislative arms to ensure proper checks and balances.
The Memorandum also tackled corruption, calling for stricter laws, enhanced law enforcement capabilities, and capital punishment for severe cases of corruption.
On security, RKRG urges a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, including the introduction of community policing to complement the efforts of the federal Police.
RKRG concluded that any discussions on restructuring must be conducted within the framework of existing Constitutional institutions, emphasising the need for consensus through the “Doctrine of Necessity”, as facilitated by the Council of States. The Group underscored the importance of the National Assembly’s role in any constitutional amendments required for successful restructuring.
The RKRG’s Memorandum is expected to spark significant debate as Nigeria continues to grapple with the complex issues of governance, resource control, and national unity.
