Former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia
Former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, has urged Nigeria to embrace a decentralized governance model, granting states and regions greater authority over their resources and development.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Omehia introduced his upcoming book, _Restructuring Nigeria: A Path to Progress_, set for launch on September 24, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Omehia criticized Nigeria’s current centralized system, a relic of military rule, as ill-suited for democratic governance.
“States and local communities must have the power to shape their own development priorities,” he stated, citing road construction in Port Harcourt as an example where local input would better address community needs.
He stressed the need for inclusive dialogue in any constitutional reform process, involving representatives from all sectors of society.
Reflecting on past efforts, Omehia praised the 2014 constitutional conference under former President Goodluck Jonathan as a promising step, but expressed regret that its recommendations remain unimplemented.
“A comprehensive constitutional conference, not fragmented amendments, is essential to address Nigeria’s structural challenges,” he asserted.
Omehia’s book aims to ignite a nationwide conversation on restructuring and equitable governance.
“This book is a call to action for Nigerians to engage in meaningful dialogue about our country’s future,” he said, emphasizing its role in fostering discussions on devolution and constitutional reform.
The upcoming launch is expected to unite stakeholders to chart a course for a more balanced and effective system of government, he added. (NAN)
