Economist Claims Concentration of Revenue-Generating Agencies in One Region Breaches Constitution

In an interview with Dr. Abdussalam Kani, an economist and academic at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education in Kano State, he shares insights on the nomination of Ayodele as Minister of State for Finance and the implications of centralizing revenue-generating ministries, departments, and agencies in one geographic area.

When asked about the current state of the economy, Dr. Kani stated that while there are some signs of improvement, significant problems remain. He emphasized the necessity of examining key indicators such as poverty rates, unemployment figures, living standards, agricultural output, and national debt levels. He pointed out that since the current administration assumed power, poverty has increased, unemployment remains high, and insecurity continues to be a pressing issue. Although inflation has slightly decreased and reserves have seen minor improvements, these changes are not substantial enough to indicate a robust economic recovery. He highlighted persistent challenges in sectors like power, infrastructure, education, and health, asserting that any slight advancements fail to justify claims of an overall improving economy.

Responding to a question regarding the current government’s structure, which seemingly favors one geographical section for revenue-generating roles, he noted that such a pattern represents a clear violation of Nigeria's constitution. He argued that the federal character principle is intended to guarantee fairness and diversity in appointments. Concentrating economic control in a single area breeds sectionalism, leading to feelings of exclusion in other regions, which ultimately diminishes national cohesion. Governance should emphasize merit and equitable distribution across all regions instead of favoring one demographic.

While some may argue that these appointments are based on merit, Dr. Kani asserted that competence exists nationwide among professionals in economics, accounting, and administration, and that suggesting otherwise is misleading. He criticized the notion of merit as a cover for favoritism, maintaining that the intent behind the federal character clause is to prevent regional dominance.

Reflecting on historical patterns, he affirmed that similar biases were observed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who also favored appointments from the north. This practice has now been continued by the current government. He reiterated concerns raised at the time, asserting that just because a negative trend persists does not mean it should be accepted.

In response to claims that Buhari too appointed many northerners, Dr. Kani verified that the previous administration did concentrate power in that region. He expressed that at the time, experts warned that such imbalance would breed discontent and discord. Regardless of who perpetuates such practices, they remain illegal and detrimental to national unity.

Dr. Kani condemned the recent scenario where both finance ministers hail from the same region. He classified this as both unfair and unconstitutional, stressing that appointments ought to reflect the diversity of the nation. This scenario conveys an inappropriate message that only one area is suitable for important roles in economic management.

When questioned about a possible lack of trust in other regions by the president, he suggested this was a possibility but identified it as a continuation of trends established by prior governments. He lamented that the National Assembly, meant to act as a balance, has failed to uphold its duty, likening it to a 'toothless bulldog.' The root problem lies not only in trust but also in political fragmentation, weak civic engagement, and the prevailing sectionalism that hampers unity.

To address this centralization issue effectively, Dr. Kani argued that the National Assembly must reject nominees whose appointments contradict constitutional guidelines. He encouraged civil society and other advocacy groups to highlight these issues non-violently, advocating for compliance with constitutional mandates which promote equality and fairness.

He further advised the opposition to maintain their organization and unity, asserting that they need to actively challenge wrongful actions. This could involve legal actions, press conferences, and spotlighting these matters during electoral campaigns. The government, he emphasized, must adhere strictly to constitutional principles to ensure that all regions are adequately represented and engaged in national governance, highlighting the long-term political repercussions failure to do so may have during electoral cycles.

Finally, Dr. Kani acknowledged Oyedele’s expertise in finance and tax issues, highlighting his competence and past contributions to tax reforms. However, he reiterated that the issue at hand transcends individual qualifications, focusing more on the fairness of representation across regions.