A renowned professor of history, Jide Osuntokun, has explained that true federalism and fiscal arrangement would make Nigeria attain the desired height and greatness.

The university don made the call in Ibadan on Monday at the 28th Annual Distinguished Lecture organised by the House of Lords.

The House of Lords had since 1998 hosted no fewer than 27 May Day lectures centred on the development and progress of Nigeria.

Mr Osuntokun, in a lecture entitled ‘How to keep Nigeria Together’, advised the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu to convene a constitutional conference when inaugurated.

He explained that the conference must allow for the free discussion of issues bordering on federalism and fiscal arrangements to guarantee resource ownership and control.

Mr Osuntokun added that the discussion should ensure that each state or group in the country contribute to running a loose federation.

“Let us design a system where political activities and competition will be state located, domiciled and collective. Cooperative governance will be at the centre while states enjoy large measure of autonomy and consequent development,” he said.

He also noted that in the First Republic, each region had its constitution, independent judiciary and control over the affairs of the lives of its people.

Mr Osuntokun explained that the present states in the country are too weak and many to defend the rights and resources in their domains.

“We must bring back this system in which people have confidence that their government will have their backs, protect their culture including their language, religion and their future group rights,” he said.

The professor decried the spate of disunity in some parts of the country, saying that the people can only enjoy democracy when there is peace and harmony.

Mr Osuntokun said there could not be absolute rights in an explosive situation where lives and society are threatened, adding that a realistic solution must be found for the current political quagmire.

(NAN)