By Banji Ayoola
Restructuring came to the front burner again yesterday in Akure the Ondo State capital as the President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, joined the growing campaigners of those calling for an urgent rework of Nigeria to resolve the lingering crises threatening the Country’s unity.
Specifically, he declared that restructuring the country through devolution of powers to the states is the best way out of the nation’s prevailing socioeconomic and political quagmire.
However, he said that restructuring should not be driven by political expediency, but by economic and financial viability, stressing that economic and financial viability are the necessary and sufficient conditions for political viability.
Adesina, a development economist, spoke while delivering a public lecture titled: “Towards a New Nigeria: From Federal Fatherism to a Commonwealth”, as part of activities marking the second term inauguration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the deputy governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He said the resources found in each of the nation;s 36 states or state groupings should belong to them, and that the constituent entities should pay federal taxes or royalties for those resources.
He noted that the achievement of economically viable entities and the viability of the national entity requires constitutional changes to develop more economic and fiscal powers to the states or regions.
His words: “The stronger the states, or regions, the stronger the federated units. In the process, our union would be renewed. Our union would be stronger. Our union would be equitable. Our union would be fully participatory. We must be audacious.”
Noting that the Nigerian system is not Federalism but ‘Fatherism,’ he stressed that political autonomy is meaningless unless it is backed by greater fiscal self reliance at the state level.
Besides, he disclosed that what is needed is greater economic and fiscal autonomy for the States, saying that Nigeria’s federalism does not grow its constituent entities but simply makes them perpetually dependent.
But he added that with good governance better accountability system, and a zero tolerance for corruption, more economically stronger constituent States would emerge.
Adesina praised Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for what he described as exceptional achievements in education, agriculture, road infrastructure and industrial development.
While congratulating Akeredolu on his well- deserved re-election, the guest lecturer noted that his renewed mandate by the people of the state was an undeniable mark of confidence in his remarkable leadership.
According to him, development must be about the people, the passion which he said governor Akeredolu shared.
Also, he encouraged Akeredolu to be the instrument to change things, more radically, and make his second term one of double blessings for the people.
Noting that this is the time to consolidate, readjust, reignite his vision, and move at a pace faster than he ever has, Adesina said when the pages of history are turned, he must be remembered for the exceptional good that he has done for the people of the state.
He said: “Your Excellency, Governor Akeredolu, like an athlete on the 4th and final lap of a 400-meter race, you must now run for the home stretch with your eyes fixed on the finish line that is ahead of you. It is a race for legacy. A legacy, for you, a legacy for the people of Ondo state,” he stressed.
Roll call at the event included wife of the Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; deputy Governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and wife; Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun; state Chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin; and Mala Buni represented by Amb. Sola Iji;
It also included the National leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti represented by Mr Stone Olakunri; former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani; former Ondo State deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi; Chief Olusola Oke; President of Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo state; President of Customary Court of Appeal, Osun state; the Chairman of Owena Press, Limited Publishers of The Hope Titles, Sir Ademola Adetula; Minister of State for Niger-Delta Affairs; Senator Donald Alasoadura, members of the first term state executive council including, Temitayo Oluwatuyi; Chief Olugbenga Ale; the Head of Service, Dare Aragbaiye; Chief Sanya Oyinsan, Olu Adegboro; Basorun Seinde Arogbofa; Olayato Aribo and other top politicians.
Traditional rulers including the Chairman, Ondo state Council of Obas and Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Akinruntan; Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade; the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo among others also graced the event.
