THE number of meetings Nigerians convene to save their country is impressive. What is disturbing is that these meetings achieve nothing, though some would argue that if things remain as they are, with all the meetings, they would have been worse without discussions about the future of Nigeria.

What is the problem since everyone agrees that Nigeria is unsustainable the way it is run? Why are the solutions not raining in torrents to match the enormity of the challenges? Many factors are responsible for the state of Nigeria. Many have joined in ruining her. Others are seeking opportunities to continue  in the ruination of the country through ceaseless wasting of opportunities that present themselves to improve the country. What did many of those calling for changes in Nigeria do when they were in-charge? Do people only realise challenges Nigeria faces only when they are not in office?

The most critical issue facing Nigeria is not federalism as many think. People who cannot make the changes that would improve Nigeria in their own little corners as council officials or state governors

would not benefit from federalism which they still see as a magic wand.Concentration of changes at the centre would not be enough. Laws that transfer the powers that the centre has to various segments of government would be a new set of experiments that do not guarantee better results. Our people should concentrate on seeking ways that would improve governance. Changes in the federal structure alone would not address governance, they would not change attitude of politicians, they would not stop corruption, and they would not teach us new ways of managing our resources.

How would politicians become responsible? Would federalism remove immunity and impunity from our laws? Would federalism cure us of corruption or infuse us with new ideas about future of Nigeria.

Federalism has its good sides. Those sides are what we see elsewhere. There is no proof that federalism is the elixir we require. Granted it could free more resources and power notches to other tiers of government, there is nothing to indicate that the resources would not be frittered away by the new power holders.

Solutions to challenges Nigeria faces could be drawn from political restructuring, but a more sustainable path should be leadership. The unconscionable looting of Nigeria, at every level, has nothing to do with lack of federalism. Nigerians who promise to save the country are the ones we are trying to save the country from their clutches. May be, stiff penalties for failed leaders, could check the scandal called leadership. Nigeria has no future with leadership that does not care for Nigeria under its care.