By Innocent Anaba
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Wednesday, said for the country’s federalism to function effectively, there must be political will, good governance, and leadership commitment.

Speaking at the on-going 5th International Conference on Federalism in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Chief Obasanjo said: “It is my belief that in a diverse and developing society like Nigeria, you need a strong, though not intrusive or oppressive central government that is democratic, transparent, accountable, effective, efficient, and adequately funded to manage the rough edges of federal politics and protect weaker or less-resource endowed constituent units.  Nigerians appreciate this fact.

“Ultimately, it is democratic practice, political will, good governance, leadership commitment, and a dedication to the cause of the people that determine the functioning of any federal arrangement.  In essence, there must be popular participation at all tiers of government and facets of life with adequate accommodation for all for federalism to function appropriately.”

Speaking further, he said “following military rule in the country, the challenge of re-federalisation has not been as easy as many continue to carry the consciousness of the unitary and hierarchical command character of the military.  The powers of the sub-national units, joint delivery of services in education, energy, health, poverty eradication and so on, remain areas for discussions and negotiations.

“The issue of fiscal federalism, processes of constitutional amendments, devolution of powers, public security, and strengthening federal character are also on-going areas of public discourse.”