As President Bola Tinubu’s administration unfolds, a significant question arises: Is his presidency quietly implementing the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference (CONFAB)? Convened under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the CONFAB proposed extensive reforms across various sectors. With the recent passage of a bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” it appears that some of these recommendations are being considered.

The decision to revert to the old national anthem, which was dropped by the General Olusegun Obasanjo-led military government in 1978, has sparked both praise and criticism. Some Nigerians expressed outrage over the change, citing a lack of consultation. Despite this, President Tinubu signed the bill into law on Wednesday, marking a significant nod to the 2014 CONFAB’s recommendations.

The newly re-adopted anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda, is seen by Tinubu as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity. Speaking on his first anniversary in office, Tinubu emphasized the anthem’s role in uniting the nation. Meanwhile, prominent lawyer and fierce Tinubu critic, Chief Mike Ozekhome, welcomed the reversion, stating it was in the spirit of the 2014 CONFAB.

In this piece, we take a look at some of the key recommendations of the CONFAB and analyze whether the Tinubu administration is adopting any of them.

Qualification to Contest for President: The CONFAB recommended that any presidential aspirant must hold a degree. This proposal aimed to ensure that the nation’s leader possesses a minimum level of education. While this has not yet been codified into law under Tinubu’s administration, discussions around educational qualifications for political candidates continue to be relevant.

Rotation of Presidency: The CONFAB suggested rotating the presidency between the North and South and governorship among the senatorial districts of each state. Tinubu’s presidency, following Muhammadu Buhari from the North, aligns with this recommendation. However, formalizing this rotation into the constitution remains unaddressed.

Decamping (Cross-Carpeting): To curb political instability, the CONFAB recommended that any elected official who changes parties forfeits their seat. Although several analysts have expressed concerns over political decamping, concrete legislative action on this recommendation is yet to be seen. According to Section 68 (1) (g) the 1999 Constitution, for a member of the Legislature (Senate, House of Representatives or House of Assembly) to leave his party under which he was elected, he has to lose his seat. The exception is that the party is fictionalized or merged with another.

Mineral Exploration: The use of excess revenue for exploring mineral resources nationwide was proposed to diversify the economy. The Tinubu administration has shown interest in economic diversification, but specific policies reflecting this recommendation are still in development.

Acting President: The CONFAB advised that in the event of the President’s incapacity, the Vice President should act for 90 days, after which a new election should be held. This clear succession plan remains a crucial issue but hasn’t been legislatively enacted under Tinubu. This became a huge problem during President Umaru Yar’Adua who refused to hand over to his deputy while he was away on medical leave for several months in 2010. The lacuna created by the Constitution is yet to be addressed.

Rotation of Presidency (Post-Vacancy): If a president leaves office prematurely, a new president from the same zone should be elected. This idea supports continuity and regional balance but has not been formalized.

Open Grazing: Phasing out cattle routes and grazing reserves in favor of ranching was recommended to reduce conflicts. Tinubu’s government has continued to encourage modern ranching practices, aligning with this recommendation.

New State for South East: The CONFAB proposed creating an additional state in the South-East to balance state distribution. This significant constitutional change has not been addressed by Tinubu’s administration yet.

Creation of New States: Creating 18 new states to balance regional representation was another recommendation. This ambitious restructuring remains untouched under Tinubu’s leadership.

Fiscal Sharing Formula: The conference proposed a new revenue sharing formula among federal, state, and local governments. Adjusting the fiscal distribution is a complex task, and while discussions persist, no changes have been implemented.

Form of Government: A modified presidential system combining elements of presidential and parliamentary systems was recommended. This hybrid system remains theoretical, with no steps taken toward its implementation.

Appointment of Ministers: Limiting the number of ministers and selecting a majority from the legislature aimed to reduce governance costs. Tinubu’s appointments so far do not fully reflect this recommendation.

Legislature: The CONFAB suggested a part-time bicameral legislature. This change has not been pursued under Tinubu.

Local Government Autonomy: The recommendation to remove local government as a tier of government and allow states to create local governments freely has not been adopted. Local government autonomy remains a contentious issue. It was as a result of this that the Attorney-General of the Federation Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has taken the 36 Governors to the Supreme Court over the funding of the third tier of government.

Removing Immunity: Removing immunity for officials facing criminal charges was proposed to enhance accountability. Tinubu’s administration has not yet pursued this reform.

Independent Candidacy: Allowing independent candidates to run for office was aimed at broadening political participation. This has not been legislated under Tinubu.

Anti-Corruption: The CONFAB proposed treating accused individuals as guilty until proven innocent and abolishing plea bargains. Such drastic changes to the justice system are controversial and remain unimplemented.

State Police: Allowing states to establish their own police forces was recommended to improve security. Tinubu has shown interest in this but has yet to push for its enactment.

National Anthem: Reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was recently legislated, marking a significant nod to the CONFAB’s recommendations.

Religion Taxes and Pilgrimages: Taxing religious institutions and abolishing government-sponsored pilgrimages were recommended for economic reasons. These reforms have not been actively pursued.

Mission Schools: Returning public schools to their original religious missions was proposed to improve education standards. This recommendation has seen some discussion but limited action.

While some of the 2014 CONFAB recommendations resonate with current policy discussions, substantial implementation remains absent. The recent decision to revert to the old national anthem indicates a willingness to consider the CONFAB’s proposals. As President Tinubu’s term progresses, the extent to which these recommendations will be integrated into Nigeria’s governance structure remains to be seen. The focus on economic diversification, security, and political stability suggests potential alignment with some CONFAB goals, but concrete legislative actions will ultimately determine the extent of their adoption.