The Southern Solidarity Alliance (SSA), a pan–Southern Nigeria socio-political group, has presented a far-reaching set of proposals to be included in the ongoing constitutional review, aimed at entrenching true federalism, strengthening democratic institutions, and curbing corruption in the country.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ndubuisi Okafor, and other key executives, the SSA called for Nigeria to operate a genuine federal system in which states serve as the federating units, each enjoying greater autonomy over revenue generation and governance.
The group also proposed that the six geopolitical zones should have equal numbers of states—seven each—to promote equity.
Under the proposed framework, powers would devolve from the federal government to states and then to local governments, while fiscal federalism would ensure states remit an agreed percentage of revenue to the center for common services.
On the legislature, the SSA recommended that Nigeria maintain a bicameral parliament but operate it on a part-time basis to reduce costs.
The group took a hardline stance on corruption, advocating for special courts to handle such cases promptly, and prescribing stiff penalties—including death sentences, life imprisonment, and lifetime bans from public office for severe offences such as embezzlement, diversion of public funds, and electoral fraud.
For sensitive appointments, including judges, electoral commission heads, and the Inspector General of Police, the SSA insisted that these should be handled by neutral, independent bodies rather than solely by the president or governors.
The proposals also include a robust restructuring of the judiciary to ensure each state has its own Supreme Court for state law violations, while federal courts handle breaches of federal laws.
On elections, the group demanded real-time electronic transmission of results, swift resolution of all election petitions before swearing-in, allowance for independent candidates, diaspora voting, and constitutional provisions to prevent elected officials from defecting without vacating their seats.
In security matters, the SSA urged the adoption of multi-level policing—federal, state, and local government police forces—to tackle rising insecurity effectively.
The group further called for a single five-year presidential term, rotating between the North and South, with each geopolitical zone taking turns. Zones that have already produced presidents since 1999 should wait their turn to promote fairness, they argued.
Other proposals include maintaining Nigeria as a secular state, banning government sponsorship of religious activities, creating periodic Truth and Reconciliation Committees, and enshrining referendum clauses in the constitution to safeguard federal principles.
“These recommendations reflect the yearnings of our people for justice, equity, and a Nigeria that works for all,” the SSA stated.
The statement was co-signed by Success Ikpasa, Deputy National Secretary; Barr. (Sir) Aaron Nwachukwu, Deputy National Coordinator (South East); Engr. Ajibola Lawson, Deputy National Coordinator (South West); and Hon. Ufuoma Onemu Adievuwhare, Deputy National Coordinator (South South).
Reporting by Innocent Onoh