Restructuring: APC holds zonal public hearing in South South, South West

The All Progressives Congress Committee on True Federalism for the South South Zone, comprising Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States, on Monday met in Benin, Edo State to collate the views of different interest groups, individuals and stakeholders on the ongoing clamour for the restructuring of the country.

Headed by the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, other members include Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State), Godwin Obaseki (Edo State) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun State)

Amosun, who represented Ganduje at the zonal public hearing, in his remark, noted that since restructuring of the country is part of the manifesto of the APC-led Federal Government, the party’s decision to set up the committee is part of efforts to fulfil its campaign promises.

The governor said the positions of the party are only suggestions, adding that it is open to views, discussions and debates from different groups, individuals and stakeholders, which, according to him, will be collated and presented as the APC’s position on the issue.

Amosun said it would be in the interest of all ethnic nationalities that the unity of Nigeria remains sacrosanct.

He listed the areas already highlighted by the party in the quest for restructuring and true federalism to include Creation and Merger of States, Devolution of Power, Federating Units, Fiscal Federalism, Revenue Sharing, Form of Government, Independent Candidacy, Land Tenure System, Resource Control, Local Government Autonomy, Power Sharing and Rotation

Also speaking, Aregbesola said the critical sectors of the society, comprising women, youths, groups and other stakeholders, apart from the ethnic nationalities, must submit their aspirations as to how the nation should be organised in the ongoing debate for true federalism.

Obaseki, the host governor, in his welcome address said the committee was in the state to collate wide range of opinions and suggestions on how to ensure the practicality of true federalism by allowing the people to have their say.

At the Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States Zonal Public Meeting, held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday, Amosun, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, said genuine practice of true federalism will address major deficit in governance and usher in accelerated development on all fronts in all regions.

The Leader of the committee and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, said the meeting was to proffer pragmatic solution to some controversial constitutional provisions currently in force.

In his welcome address, Ajimobi, represented by his Deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, said the continuous agitation across the nation on restructuring could be seen as open expression of Nigerians’ frustration in the present political and administrative arrangement.

He commended the leadership of the party for being responsible and responsive to the yearning of Nigerians, adding that achieving this feat would be a break from the nation’s sad past.