Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Professor of Political Science Attahiru Jega has made known his thoughts on the current restructuring debate in the country. Jega made them known in a speech he delivered at the 10th Annual Forum of Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) Laureates and Investiture of Laureates held recently in Abuja.
Jega’s suggestions
In his speech titled “Governance Reforms and Human Security in Nigeria”, Jega gave immediate, medium and log term solutions on how to restructure the country. In the short term, advocated for reforms in four areas of governance: the structure, the institutions, the agents/actors and the attitudes/behaviours.
Between now and 2019, he recommended a devolution of power and resources from the Federal Government to the states and local governments. In the medium term from 2019-2024 an increase in the derivation allocation and introduction of resource control.
In the long run, a reduction in the size of government and changes in the revenue allocation formula
About Prof. Jega
Professor Attahiru Jega was on 8 June 2010 nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC). He replaced Professor Maurice Iwu, who vacated the post on 28 April 2010. Prior to that, he was the former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK). Jega also a member of the Justice Uwais Electoral Reforms Committee.
Jega was also the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during the Ibrahim Babangida regime. He is the only INEC chairman to oversee two General Elections (2011 and 2015). He retired on 30 June 2015 handing over his position to Amina Zakari.
He is currently a political science scholar at the Bayero University, Kano, BUK.
