- Calls for state police
- As Ondo govt marks June 12 with Democracy Day Lecture
By Banji Ayoola
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has stressed the urgent need to restructure Nigeria into a balanced federation that takes care of all composite groups.
Besides, he said that the country is ripe for the establishment of state police in view of the worrisome security challenges confronting the citizenry across the nation.
To him, apart from building a new Nigeria where justice prevails for all the citizens irrespective of whatever differences, undertaking a comprehensive restructuring of the nation is crucial for deepening the democratic gains, the seeds of which were sown by the nation’s freest and fairest election ever in 1993.
He called on the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a comprehensive revalidation of the hope of Nigerians.
Speaking in commemoration of the June 12 Democracy Day, the governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Richard Olatunde, also harped on the need to reassess the current socio-political structure in the country to ensure progress and development.
He said: “The need for restructuring has become undeniable. The federal government must relinquish its excessive control over the sub-national entities. It is imperative that security is decentralised to the states. There is no better time than now for the establishment of state police.
“The symbol of the June 12 struggle made the ultimate sacrifice. We must not allow our people to continue paying the price in vain. It is devastating. By devolving power to the sub-national entities, we can deepen our democratic values, strengthen governance, and make our nation more resilient.”
Akeredolu noted that June 12 represents more than just a milestone in the pursuit of justice, saying that Democracy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding principles of equity and fairness.
He called on the people of Nigeria to reflect on the significance of June 12 and honour the sacrifices made by the heroes of the country’s democracy.
His words: “Today is a commemoration of sacrifices, patriotism, and peaceful struggle. June 12 marks a significant moment in our country’s democratic history, symbolising a profound renewal of hope and ambition.
“It serves as a powerful reminder of our unwavering optimism and determination in the face of formidable obstacles.”
He said that the welfare of the people should be the primary focus of governance, urging Nigerians to unite for the collective betterment of the country.
Also, he appealed for national unity, underscoring that the solution to Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges lies in the cohesion of all ethnic groups within the country.
He commended the extraordinary sacrifices made by both the departed and living individuals in birthing democracy, urging Nigerians not to overlook the lessons taught by past political experiences.
While acknowledging the arduous nature of nation-building, the Governor expressed optimism that the challenges can be overcome.
He expressed confidence in the administration of President Tinubu, stating that the new President will restore the people’s confidence and work diligently for the betterment of the country.
The Governor said his administration firmly believes that any developmental aspirations must prioritise the well-being of the people.
He noted that despite financial limitations, his administration has made significant strides in bridging the infrastructural gap.
Also at a public lecture in Akure, the state capital, to mark June 12, the state government called for a devolution of more powers to the states and reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to celebrating the distinctiveness of Democracy Day.
At the event, the guest lecturer, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, noted that the disconnect between the people and those who claim to be their representatives has been deepened by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
In the lecture titled “Democracy, Development and Political Stability in Nigeria”, Odebowale asserted that it would be difficult for a country as diverse as Nigeria to achieve progress with a unitary system of government in a democracy.
He said that real development requires popular ownership and participation, adding that the idea of development must not be reduced to the issue of only brick and mortar.
But he noted that deepening the inclusion of the people in the socio-economic activities of their respective areas will lead to stability in all spheres.
His words: “Real development requires popular ownership and participation. The idea of development must not be reduced to the issue of only brick and mortar.
“It must encapsulate the totality of the aspirations of the people towards advancement. The periodic elections held, successfully, to replace a set of oppressors with yet another cannot be the sole index of progress under this dispensation.
“Emphasis should shift from revenue allocation to generation. The federating units should be allowed to explore their areas of comparative advantage to develop their spaces at their own pace.
“The security architecture must be structured in accordance with the principles of federalism. There should be no single Police Command for the whole country. It makes our claims to federalism laughable.
“The challenges posed by insecurity will be addressed, adequately, if the issue of security is tackled at the local level.
“The judiciary may be one with respect to qualifications and training. Every State or geo-political zone may adopt the judicial system best suited for his socio-cultural environment.
“Let the Supreme Court handle cases on interpretation of statutes in matters involving the federating units and the Federal Government.
“Let every State determine its workforce and how it engages, sustains and/or dispenses with their services. The Federal Government should not fix salaries and wages for public officials serving the States.
“Let all the States control their resources and pay taxes to the Federal Government.
“The National and State Assemblies must enact laws which make Development Plan alterable only by legislation. They must criminalise the incidence of abandoned projects.
“Education should not be centralized as it is at present. The federating units reserve the right to also design their curricula of education at all levels.
“The regulatory role given to the Federal Government should not be an excuse for over-centralisation of the management of the sector.
“There should be cooperation among States in the same geo-political zone for socio-economic progress.
“Any State considered not viable should be willing to merge with others for advantage.”
The Chairman of the event, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa sought the support of Nigerians for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying: ”Tinubu needs our cooperation. He has demonstrated enough courage. He has promised renewed hope and has demonstrated that he means business. He has the strength of character to do it. Let us rally around him.”
