The persistent imbalance between the North and South in Nigeria is glaring, with the North holding more political power and reaping economic benefits from resources they contribute little towards. Out of 360 House of Representatives seats, the North controls 191, while the South holds only 169. Moreover, despite contributing 0% to Nigeria’s oil wealth, the northern states receive 57% of oil revenue. These disparities extend into local government allocations and perpetuate an unjust system that stifles southern development.
This article calls for an urgent national reflection on these structural imbalances, advocating for significant changes—whether through restructuring or a referendum. The facts show that the current system disproportionately benefits one region while suppressing the growth and opportunities of others, particularly in the resource-rich South.
Political Representation: A Numbers Game
With 419 local government areas (LGAs) in the North, compared to 357 in the South, the imbalance in representation directly affects how resources are distributed. The North enjoys more political seats and influence in national decisions, making it difficult for the South, even in unity, to challenge the North in any significant national vote. This political power imbalance ensures that the status quo remains unchanged, with the South struggling to assert its rightful share of Nigeria’s resources and governance.
Oil Revenue Allocation: A Clear Injustice
The crux of the argument lies in oil revenue distribution. Despite the South-South contributing 70.64% of Nigeria’s total oil wealth, the region receives only 15% of the revenue. Similarly, the South-East, contributing 25.07%, receives just 11%. In contrast, the North, which contributes 0%, reaps the lion’s share, a whopping 57% of the nation’s oil earnings. This blatant inequity underscores the deeper systemic issues within Nigeria’s economic structure. How can regions contributing the most to the nation’s wealth remain deprived of proportional benefits?
Calls for Restructuring: A Pipe Dream?
Given the overwhelming benefits the North enjoys under the current system, the article asserts that northern leaders will resist any efforts toward restructuring. A restructuring of the country would level the playing field, forcing the North to rely on its own resources, a scenario they are not willing to face. Thus, the article argues that a referendum, allowing different regions to determine their future, is the only solution to the injustice deeply ingrained in Nigeria’s structure.
A Call to Action: Silence is Complicity
The piece ends with a passionate call for Nigerians to speak up against this injustice. The failure to address these systemic imbalances will only perpetuate the oppression of resource-rich regions. The author argues that remaining silent in the face of such adversity is tantamount to siding with the oppressor. It is a matter of justice, and action must be taken to ensure that the voices of marginalized regions are heard.
Conclusion: This article exposes the harsh realities of Nigeria’s political and economic system, a system that disproportionately favors the North at the expense of the South. It’s a call for awareness, justice, and action, urging Nigerians to demand either restructuring or a referendum to ensure that the South, which contributes the majority of Nigeria’s wealth, is no longer left out of its rewards.
http://www.oblongmedia.net
#oblongmedia
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment