TWISTED FEDERALISM RESPONSIBLE FOR SECTIONAL ACTIVISM- GOV. AKEREDOLU
•Says It Is Time To Restore National Consciousness Through True Federalism
•There must be A New Nigeria- ADFB Boss, Adesina
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has blamed the growing sectional activism which he said is gradually replacing National patriotism on the faulty and twisted federalism as operated in the country.
He lamented that most Nigerians are losing faith in “Unity in Diversity” sloganeering while urging that the only opportunity to restore national consciousness is through True Federalism.
Governor Akeredolu spoke at a Public Lecture titled “Towards A New Nigeria: From Federal Fatherism To A CommonWealth” as part of the activities marking the 2nd Term Inauguration of the Governor.
The Lecture was delivered virtually by the President, African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said rather than building the Nation, Nigerians are more inclined to ethnic nationalism, adding that the people have resorted to clannish satisfaction in place of nation-building.
While identifying insecurity as the most potent threat to national belief, Governor Akeredolu stresses that the consequences are increasingly becoming more daring, adding that the time to act is now.
Speaking on the efforts of the Southwest Governors in tackling insecurity, he said their fight is against criminality and not targeted at any ethnic nationality or business.
He said;” we are against criminality and we shall fight criminality with every legal means. It is in the interest of our collective wellbeing.
“All we require is the support and understanding of all Federating Units, including the Federal Government. The simple truth is that we have lived in self-denial amid an excruciating pain that is almost cancerous now.“
“Notwithstanding our challenges today, my firm belief in the Nigerian Project is strengthened by my fact of a true Nigerian.
“That I desire a more United Nigeria with every ingredient of freedom, rule of law, patriotism, love, mutual respect and harmony is an understatement. And I am prepared to fight for it legitimately for the benefit of all.”
Earlier in his Lecture, Dr Adesina said with good governance and a better accountability system, with a zero-tolerance for corruption, more economically stronger constituents states would emerge.
The AFDB boss called for a change in the relational mindset between the states and the Federal government, saying the fulcrum should be the states, while the centre would support them and not lord over them.
Adesina said there should be a new Nigeria where massive wealth would be unleashed across the states.
At the event were; the Chairman of Occasion, Yobe state Governor and Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, who was represented by the former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, minister of state for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Donald Tayo Alasoadura, former deputy governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and other important dignitaries.
