The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed his belief that neither regionalism nor a parliamentary system of government can resolve Nigeria’s problems. In an interview with Vanguard, Sanusi questioned the necessity of a bicameral legislature and criticized the practice of appointing ministers from every state regardless of need, suggesting that these practices contribute to bureaucratic inefficiencies rather than serve the country’s best interests.
Sanusi also criticized federal interference in state matters, especially in traditional and chieftaincy affairs. He emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional principles and maintaining a clear separation of powers to ensure accountable governance. According to the Emir, regionalism could worsen the country’s issues by exacerbating existing tensions, and he called for a cohesive national identity and governance structure that promotes unity and accountability.
The Emir pointed out, “There are several things we can do to address those structures. If you allow the state governors to run, with 36 states, even if only half of the governors are good, at least half of Nigeria has good government. There is too much power and resources at the center. The center does not handle primary education or primary healthcare, where the vast majority of Nigerians are. Shouldn’t those resources come to the state? Instead of everybody going to Abuja, what is happening there? We need to look at several issues, including simple constitutionalism and federalism, and respect for the separation of powers. Take, for example, what is happening in Kano today. Chieftaincy matters are 100 percent state matters.”
Reflecting on the historical context, Sanusi remarked, “We had a parliamentary system in the First Republic. What happened? At the end of the day, it is the humans that operate the system. Initially, the regions in this country were North, East, and West, and then it became NorthEast and MidWest. The creation of six geo-political zones has no historical basis. We can keep dividing the country, but are we honest about these regions? In the Niger Delta, the Itsekiri and Ijaw have fought wars. When did we become homogeneous? The Sokoto Jihad brought us together. From the Sokoto caliphate, we became Northerners, and then Nigerians. Under Yakubu Gowon, Nigerians thought of themselves as Nigerians. What changed? Political leadership exploits regional and ethnic identities for political gain. When in office, leaders from different backgrounds work together without conflict. The elites are irresponsible.”
Sanusi dismissed the idea that a regional system of government could solve Nigeria’s problems, stating, “How do we go regional? In Yorubaland, there are Ijebu, Ekiti, Ijesha, Owo, and Egba. Since when did they become one? In Ife and Modakeke, they were killing each other. It is not a solution. How many parts are you going to slice this country into to get a homogeneous nation? With all the intermarriages and education, I am not sure that is a solution. People are blocking out history to sell this dream.”
He continued, “We had a regional system in the First Republic. How did it end? We had a parliamentary system in the First Republic. How did it end? I am not talking about the coup but the crisis that led to the coup. Before Nzeogu, forget Ironsi. How was the system before they came? Is there any documentary evidence that that system was fundamentally better than what we have? We can’t shift responsibilities away from the people operating the system. If you are in the Senate and the House of Representatives for 16 years without passing a bill, you don’t know your job as a lawmaker.”
The Emir’s remarks highlight his belief that Nigeria’s governance issues stem from human factors and the need for a more unified and accountable governance structure rather than structural changes like regionalism or a parliamentary system.