Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent human rights advocate, has expressed grave concerns about the erosion of Nigeria’s federal system in an interview with Channels Television’s program “Inside Sources” FROM 33:58.
Odinkalu criticized the federal government’s interference in chieftaincy matters, which are exclusively reserved for states. He pointed to the recent controversy surrounding the Emir of Kano, where the federal government’s involvement led to the creation of a “Federal Emir” and a “State Emir”.
“Chieftaincy is on the residual list, meaning it’s exclusively for states. But here we are, with the federal government meddling and creating a Federal Emir and State Emir of Kano. Odinkalu said.
He warned that such actions have severe consequences, including undermining the country’s stability and democratic institutions. Odinkalu also criticized the judiciary and INEC for their roles in perpetuating these violations.
“Chieftaincy for crying out loud is on the Residual list, it’s not exclusive, it’s not concurrent. Federal Government has no business in it, but here we are. We now have a Federal Emir and State Emir of Kano. This is the problem. When the Judiciary is being used to undermine the country this way or when INEC is manufacturing results that are entirely phantom. These things have consequences”….Seë _Morë