ONEVoice Urges FG on Restructuring

A coalition of human rights groups and civil societies, ONEVoice, has called on the Federal Government, to consider the renewed clamour for restructuring the Nigerian State towards economic development and growth. This was one of the highlights of a recent media briefing held at the Centre for Constitutional Governance, Ilupeju, where some of the issues raised in the new agenda for restructuring were discussed.

These pertinent issues include the devolution of power, citizenship and indigeneship; regional government, resource control and management; federalism, state policing, and revenue allocation, amongst others. The group argued that, many Nigerians are passionate about the unity and continued existence of Nigeria; hence, the various agitations springing in various quarters in the country.

The Chairman for Media Committee, ONEVoice, Adedeji Adeleye, also decried the increasing crime rate in Nigeria, and remarked that, only State Police can complement Federal efforts, at curbing crime.

The group recommended that,the Government should address the concerns of ethnic groups that are making legitimate political demands, but must not succumb to threats and blackmail.

“The President should concede the right to explore mineral deposits to the States, and create tripartite to state joint ventures with these States", the group said.

Adeleye remarked that, certain items on Exclusive Legislative List of the Federal Government guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, must be transferred to the States.

These include: Prisons, Police, Railways, Fingerprints, Identification and Criminal Records, Road Safety Corps, Drivers' Licence, Taxes on Lotteries, Sales (VAT), Toll Collections etc.

ONEVoice noted that, restructuring Nigeria should not be misconstrued for dismemberment or absolute autonomy for independent regions, or absolute control over the resources, but, properly negotiated.

The group observed that, there was healthy competition in the era of regional government, and expressed concern over the uneven distribution of federal allocation to states.

“Why should Kebbi receive more government allocation than Rivers State?”, Adeleye asked, rhetorically.

In matters of citizenship and the plight of nonindigenes in Nigeria, he commented that women must be given the opportunity to excel; get work in civil service and be able to contest for elections in their husband’s States.