Mimiko advocates true federalism, devolution of power as panacea to end insecurity

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

Prof. Femi Mimiko and former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University and Fulbright Alumnus has said that only proper implementation of true federalism and devolution of power in Nigeria would end insecurity.

Mimiko said this in his keynote address which was presented virtually during the 17th Annual Conference of Fulbright Alumni Association of Nigeria (FAAN) in Uyo on Tuesday.

The Professor of Political Science said that there were some clauses in the Constitution, especially in the exclusive list that should be amended to give powers to component units in the federation as a means to tackle poor security situations now bedevilling the country.

Our correspondent reports that the theme of the 17th edition of the FAAN conference is; ” Interrogating Equity, Inclusion, and Justice as Panacea to Nigeria’s National Security.”

He said that Nigeria exists in a permanent state of dysfunctionality, stressing that the Federal Government must get the security architecture right before it turns into a failed state.

The professor added that devolution of power to component states and distribution of resources as necessary issues that must be addressed by the government to check insecurity.

“There must be an amendment of the Constitution that will allow the Federal Government to relinquish some of its powers in the interest of the federating units and development to check internal uprising that led to insecurity,” Mimiko said.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, said that the Fulbright Alumni Association was established in 1946 and has been nurtured through scholarly works.

Ndaeyo urged other Alumni Associations across the country to emulate the activities of the Fulbright alumni association which has attracted international funding.

He said the theme of the conference was apt, adding that security was crucial as it affected all facets of life and sectors of the economy.

He said the University of Uyo would continue to support research and conferences to promote academic excellence and good governance.

The President of Fulbright Alumni Association of Nigeria, Prof. Adele Garkida, thanked the US Embassy for the support accorded the association since 1946.

Garkida said the alumni association would continue to work to enhance knowledge and help the world to live in peace.

The Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General, Lagos, Mr Stephen Ibelli, disclosed that Fulbright is the flagship in education sponsored by the United States in the last 62 years in Nigeria.

Ibelli said that there were over 1,000 Fulbright Alumni in Nigeria, adding that over 40 Nigerians are sent for studies in the USA by Fulbright yearly. 

He said the USA would continue to support Nigeria in many sectors of the economy, especially in education.