Restructuring: Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara support devolution of powers
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, yesterday, agreed to support devolution of powers in the country.
They said the Federal Government should transfer some aspects of health, transport, fire service among others to the states while it focuses on defence, foreign affairs, security and currency.
This was the position of the three states at the APC North West zonal public hearing held in Sokoto.
The position of Sokoto, as presented by a former deputy governor, Chiso Abdullahi, rejected the creation of new states, saying many states in the country at the moment were not viable.
He advocated that presidential system and fiscal federalism should be maintained as enshrined in the constitution, while power rotation and zoning should be maintained to foster national unity.
He also advocated for a unicameral legislature while traditional institutions should be given advisory role in the constitution.
Also, Kebbi State rejected the creation of new states and bicameral legislature while zoning should be practised between North and South.
Kebbi also advocated for a revenue sharing formula with Federal Government having 40 per cent, states 40 per cent and local government areas 20 per cent.
Zamfara State equally presented its position at the meeting, saying the status quo should be maintained on issues of state creation, derivation, devolution of powers, presidential system of government and land tenure system.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the APC Restructuring Committee for North-west and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said all the views collated would be taken back to the APC national headquarters.
In his remarks, Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said the aim of the public hearing was to collate views of the people on how the country should be restructured and governed.
He said this would enable the party to have better informed position on the issue whenever it is making its presentation.