Mimiko Advocates for Power Devolution to Tackle Nigeria's Governance Issues

Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has called for the devolution of power as a crucial solution to Nigeria's persistent governance challenges. He argues that the excessive concentration of authority at the federal center has significantly contributed to the nation's ongoing problems, including insecurity, corruption, poverty, poor leadership, and ethnic tensions.

Speaking at the Pastors’ Seed Event during the 74th Annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mimiko drew lessons from the Bible, referencing the "Jethro Principle." This biblical advice, given to Moses by his father-in-law Jethro, emphasizes delegating responsibilities to capable leaders for effective administration. Mimiko asserted that governance functions best when authority and resources are distributed to lower government levels, enabling local leaders to tackle local issues while the federal government focuses on national matters.

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The Jethro Principle teaches that effective governance must be based on merit, competence and capacity. Power and responsibility should be moved closer to the people so that local problems can be solved locally.

Mimiko stressed that a highly centralized system is ill-suited for a diverse country like Nigeria. He believes true federalism requires empowering sub-national governments to make decisions directly impacting their communities. While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu's administration's efforts towards decentralizing areas like policing and resource management, Mimiko maintained that broader structural reforms are essential to address systemic governance failures.

"Centralised government cannot effectively manage a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation like Nigeria," Mimiko stated. "Leaders closest to the people should be empowered to solve the problems closest to the people." He advocated for a system where power and responsibility move closer to the populace, ensuring that governance is based on merit, competence, and capacity.

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Centralised government cannot effectively manage a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation like Nigeria. Leaders closest to the people should be empowered to solve the problems closest to the people.