Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief
Olu Falae, on Thursday, called for devolution of powers and resources from the
federal government to the federating units.
Falae stated this during the meeting of the Conscience of
Yoruba Race, in Ibadan.
At the event, which had the theme, “Restructuring Nigeria:
Options and Strategies,” Falae noted that it was vital for such devolution of
power to include decentralising responsibilities.
Among those present at the event were former governor of
Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of
Assembly, Dr Akin Onigbinde; Senator Ayo Arise, Special Adviser to Governor
Abiola Ajimobi on Communications and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka; and Dr Olu
Agunloye.
Falae emphasised that although there could be other options
to restructuring, the future of Nigeria rested on the implementation of the
report of the 2014 National Conference.
The statesman said, “What we have come to discuss is a big
subject in Nigeria. Not long ago, the acting President, who is my friend, said
it (restructuring) was a non-issue and that the report of the National
Conference had not been read. But that subject has become topical and like I
said in my recent interview, the restructuring of Nigeria via the report of the
National Conference is the future of Nigeria.
“The options for restructuring are many. We went to Abuja
for a regional agenda but on getting there, the ‘Middle Belters’ were scared of
it but I am happy that in recent time, they are at the forefront. I called my
friend, Jerry Gana, (and asked him) what had happened, he said they had had a
change of mind. Change must come but not the partisan change that has no
meaning.
“Massive devolution of powers, responsibilities and
resources must take place from the centre to the federating units. I want to
add that the devolution will not stop at the old regional capitals of power. It
must continue to the states created in the regions and the local government
which is where our people reside.”
Administrator of the group, Akogun Omololu, said in his
opening remark that what was going on in the country called for the Yoruba race
to mobilise intelligence and ensure social justice for its people.
He said that the time had come to fashion out the ways to
implement the resolutions reached at the 2014 National Conference where all
groups were represented.
He said, “Chief Obafemi Awolowo once said, ‘Nigeria’s
problem is that we fight against the effects and not against the problem’. The
bane of Nigeria is the Decree 4 of 1966, enacted by the first military regime
headed by the late General Thomas Aguiyi Ironsi.
“Today, there is a song in some quarters that Nigeria’s
unity is not negotiable. Even the British High Commissioner to Nigeria echoed
this line a short while ago. But we say to all those who sing this song that
they are wrong. In 2014, Nigerians had negotiated the country’s unity and
reached some kind of agreement. At the 2014 National Conference, 607
resolutions were passed without acrimony. Now is the time to implement the
resolutions.”
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