True Federalism Only Solution to Nigeria’s Problems, Says Attah

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, has said that the many challenges facing the country would not be addressed except it returned to true federalism which would guarantee states the power to control their resources.

Attah who spoke in Enugu during a ceremony held to mark the 20thAnniversary of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), said that when states were allowed to manage their resources without undue interference by the centre, it would help in their growth and development.

The former governor who presented a paper titled ‘How to Make Nigeria Work’, said that the major problem facing the country was with the system of sharing its resources, as the nation’s resources are not distributed equitably.

Attah who completely disagreed with the various suggestions for states to be merged, maintained that no state as presently constituted would want to relinquish power for any reason.

He said the best alternative would be for regional cooperation by the states to pursue development.

‘’If the various states that exist in the country have control of their resources without consistent interference by the centre, everyone will have a sense of belonging,” he said.

He called on the youths to work with the elders in their various communities in the bid to achieve the much desired true federalism which will guarantee sustainable development for all in the country.

“If we get the new Nigeria we all seek today, it will be in the interest of every one of us. This is the more reason why we need to work together to ensure that our dreams are achieved as a country,” he said.

On his part, elder statesman and First Republic Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi, said that Nigeria was a country made up of corrupt and criminal elements whose activities had over the years, crippled the country.

He said the activities of those criminal elements were capable of sinking the country if nothing was done.