Nigeria ungovernable, state policing only partial solution – Okurounmu

A former senator and elder statesman, Femi Okurounmu, has declared that Nigeria has become largely ungovernable under its current political structure, warning that superficial reforms and weak decentralization have worsened insecurity across the country.

Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Okurounmu argued that while state policing could help address security challenges, it is only a partial solution to a much deeper systemic crisis.

“Nigeria as one country cannot work… there’s no shame in that,” he said, calling for an urgent national conversation on the country’s future.

Okurounmu attributed Nigeria’s governance challenges to long-standing structural imbalances that have rendered institutions ineffective.

According to him, reforms such as local government autonomy have failed to deliver meaningful benefits to ordinary citizens.

He criticized what he described as the misuse of autonomy by local government officials, arguing that resources are often channeled toward personal comfort rather than grassroots development.

“Local government autonomy now allows chairmen to ride SUVs and hire numerous aides, yet nothing is done at the grassroots. Is that what restructuring should achieve?” he queried.

The elder statesman maintained that such distortions have deepened public frustration and widened the gap between government and citizens.

State Policing: Necessary but Insufficient
While acknowledging the importance of state policing, Okurounmu cautioned against viewing it as a cure-all for Nigeria’s security crisis.

“State policing is a good measure… but it is not the final solution,” he said.

He explained that the demand for state police has persisted for years, largely due to the inability of federal security agencies to adequately protect communities.

However, he warned that without broader structural reforms, even state policing would struggle to deliver lasting peace.

Okurounmu pointed to ongoing attacks by bandits and militant groups as evidence that current security frameworks are inadequate.

He also referenced external interventions, including reported foreign support in counterterrorism operations, as a reflection of Nigeria’s weakened internal capacity to manage its own security challenges.

A central aspect of Okurounmu’s argument was the perceived imbalance in political power and influence among ethnic groups, which he said has contributed to insecurity and distrust.

He warned that when sections of the country feel marginalized or dominated, national unity becomes fragile, and security efforts are undermined.

According to him, these tensions must be addressed through honest dialogue and structural adjustments, rather than ignored or suppressed.

Okurounmu traced Nigeria’s governance challenges to its colonial origins, noting that the 1914 amalgamation brought together diverse groups with differing interests and identities.

“The British created one country for their convenience. Must we accept that as permanent without questioning whether it works for us?” he asked.

He cited examples of countries that have restructured or separated peacefully, arguing that Nigeria should not shy away from exploring all options for coexistence, including deeper federalism or constitutional reconfiguration.

The former senator also raised concerns about the quality of Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as lacking independence and credibility.

He alleged that elections are often manipulated, while key institutions, including the judiciary and electoral bodies, operate under undue influence.

“When votes are bought, and institutions are compromised, democracy exists only in form, not in substance,” he said.

Okurounmu further linked vote-buying to widespread poverty, arguing that economic hardship has made citizens vulnerable to political manipulation.

While insecurity remains a pressing issue, Okurounmu stressed that the solution lies in improving governance and service delivery.

He argued that access to stable electricity, quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure would significantly reduce tensions and foster national unity.

“If leadership delivers tangible development, people will care less about ethnic or regional differences,” he noted.

Okurounmu concluded that Nigeria’s challenges require bold and comprehensive reforms rather than incremental adjustments.

He called for: A national dialogue on Nigeria’s structure and future, genuine decentralization of power, strengthening of democratic institutions, improved governance and equitable resource distribution.

While supporting the introduction of state policing, he reiterated that it must be part of a broader framework aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity and governance failure.

“We must think outside the box. One system cannot continue to serve everyone if it is not working,” he said.

As Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity and governance challenges, Okurounmu’s remarks underscore the urgency of structural reform.

His position reflects a growing debate on whether incremental fixes, such as state policing, can resolve deep-rooted national issues, or whether a more fundamental rethinking of the country’s political and constitutional framework is required.