Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ike Nwachukwu, has called for a return to true federalism in Nigeria, insisting that it remains the only viable pathway to national progress.
Nwachukwu made the call on Tuesday while chairing the public presentation of Tola Adeniyi: Chapters of Destiny, the autobiography of veteran journalist and public servant, Tola Adeniyi. The event held at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, drew dignitaries from across the country.
A retired Nigerian Army major general, former military governor of Imo State and one-time senator representing Abia North, Nwachukwu used the occasion to advocate structural reforms, particularly the decentralisation of policing powers.
“Let me at this point speak on the need to return Nigeria to a true federal system of government, just the way our forefathers did many years ago,” he said. “They gave each region in Nigeria the freedom to use their resources to develop at their own pace. I dare say that there is no state in this country that is not viable.”
He argued that every state possesses sufficient human and mineral resources to drive development but stressed that autonomy is critical to unlocking that potential.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for pushing the state police initiative, Nwachukwu described the current centralised policing system as inconsistent with federal principles.
“We can’t have a federation where policing is unitary. A governor says he’s the chief security officer of the state but is unable to direct the police without authority from the Inspector General. That’s not proper. We must encourage the president to carry these reforms through to the point where we have a true federation,” he added.
Beyond his constitutional advocacy, Nwachukwu paid glowing tribute to Adeniyi, describing him as a man of intellect and courage.
“Tola has always stood out for his intellectual prowess, incisive mind, commitment to excellence, patriotism and courage to speak truth to power. He stands for equity, fairness and justice for all,” he said.
According to him, Adeniyi’s lifelong advocacy for freedom of expression, religious liberty and social justice underscores his credentials as a federalist and democrat.
The autobiography, Chapters of Destiny, offers a candid account of Adeniyi’s 67-year career in mass communication, public service and the arts. He began as a stage actor in his school years and later rose to become Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria. He also served as a Federal Permanent Secretary in the Presidency and lectured at the University of Lancaster before relocating to Canada in 1996.
The keynote speaker and Principal Partner at Niyi Akintola & Co, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), described Adeniyi as a journalist whose writings shaped generations.
He recalled reading Adeniyi’s columns during the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy and praised his analytical foresight, noting that many of his past commentaries proved prophetic.
The book reviewer, Prof. Anthony Kila, a Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development, described the autobiography as a well-written and compelling literary work recommended for a broad readership.
Engineer Kayode Shofe recounted how Adeniyi, who once taught him English and Literature, had profoundly influenced his life, describing him as “a special person” and mentor.
Elder statesman Kola Oyefeso also reflected on Adeniyi’s fearless journalism, recalling how his columns were critical of the administration of former President Shehu Shagari.
Organisers said the launch marked a significant moment in Lagos’ cultural calendar, celebrating a lifetime devoted to truth-telling, public enlightenment and national development.
The author, Chief Adeniyi, in his remarks, paid an emotional tribute to friends and colleagues who attended the launch of his earlier book, In the Belly of Vultures, in 2018 but have since passed on, including Prof George Obiozor, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Yinka Odumakin and Mohammed Fawehinmi, among others.
The event was attended by prominent Nigerians from various walks of life, including Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Betty Emeka-Obasi, the Administrator of Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau; Senator Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior under Muhammadu Buhari; as well as several traditional rulers and other distinguished guests.
