Panacea for a True Nigerian Federalism

Abstract

The concept of Federalism may be examined from diverse perspectives such as legal, social, economic, political, administrative, cultural and anthropological perspectives. Basically, it refers to the interrelationship between the Federal Government, State Government and Local Government. Federalism is a form of government that is best practiced in a heterogeneous ethnic society like Nigeria; it is about unity in diversity. From a through examination of the Nigerian Constitution , it is evident that Nigeria is practicing Federalism. It is further evidenced by the declaration of purpose as stated in the preamble to the Nigerian Constitution. Yet, it is interesting to note that despite considerable amount of time and effort given to address this predicament, true Federalism in Nigeria, remains a revolution rather than an evolution, a somewhat controversial and unsettled area. It therefore suffices to assert that; the sort of Federalism that Nigeria is practicing in the real sense of the meaning of Federalism is not Federalism.