-
Calls for legalisation of marijuana for economic gain
By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Former Imo State governorship candidate Senator Athan Nneji Achonu has declared that Nigeria’s democracy will remain unstable until the presidency is constitutionally zoned to rotate among the six geopolitical regions, beginning with the Southeast and Northeast, which have never produced a president.
Addressing a press briefing on the state of the nation on Monday, Achonu insisted that constitutionalising zoning was the only way to guarantee inclusivity and end what he described as “unnecessary political tension”.
“The South-East and North-East, which have never produced a president, should take their turn,” he said, adding, “Once a zone gets it, the rest must allow them to complete eight years. If the elected person is not doing well, impeachment by the other zones will ensure continuity within that region. We cannot continue with a system where one zone is ruling and another jumps in to scatter it.”
On local government autonomy, the former senator hailed the July 2024 Supreme Court ruling affirming financial independence for councils as “one of the most significant advancements for Nigerian democracy since 1999.” He added, “The local government is the bedrock of democracy. If properly empowered, councils can deliver development, improve living standards, and strengthen community-based security because there is no ward councillor who does not know the people living in his environment. Imagine what this ruling means for places like Imo, Kano, Zamfara, or even remote councils in Borno and Cross River where communities have long been starved of resources.”
He, however, argued that the ruling would remain meaningless unless the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is constitutionally empowered to conduct council polls. “As long as State Independent Electoral Commissions exist, democracy at the grassroots will remain a mockery,” Achonu warned.
Turning to the contentious issue of fuel subsidy removal, Achonu accused state governors of failing to account for the huge windfall they received. “States got 26.72 per cent and local governments 20.60 per cent of the subsidy savings,” he noted.
“Yet, most governors have shown no convincing evidence that these funds have improved citizens’ lives. Nigerians must demand answers. If we can hold local government chairmen accountable in court, why should governors hide under immunity to squander public funds? Where are the new schools in Katsina, the hospitals in Ebonyi, the rural roads in Sokoto, or the water projects in Bayelsa that these billions were meant to deliver?”
On economic diversification, the Labour Party chieftain faulted Nigeria’s refusal to embrace cannabis legalisation despite the global boom. “Nigeria is sleeping on a multi-trillion naira industry while other nations are cashing in,” he declared. “It is time to legalise, industrialise, and monetise. Our economic future depends on seizing this opportunity. Let us not make the same mistake we made with palm oil in the South-South and groundnut pyramids in the North.”
He also renewed his call for diaspora voting, describing the disenfranchisement of Nigerians abroad as “a paradox”. According to him, “Nigerians in the diaspora remitted $20.93 billion in 2024, four times our foreign direct investment for the same period. They contribute massively to our economy, they understand the value of good leadership, yet they cannot vote. With current technology, there is no excuse not to create a secure digital platform for them. From Nigerians in the United States to those in the UK, Canada, and South Africa, their voices must count.”
On security, Achonu threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration to boost local arms production. “Without safety, no investment, no economy, no society can thrive,” he stated.