Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said Nigeria would overcome most of its challenges if true federalism was entrenched in the country’s politics. Makinde said so at the 2021 National Democracy Summit, which he hosted in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the summit was held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Makinde, in his speech titled “The Future of Democracy“, explained the dilemma of Nigerian governors in the face of current security challenges in the country.

He noted that devolving what he called powers too concentrated in the center would go a long way in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

The governor urged the federal government to start thinking about ways to galvanize the powers for the development of the nation. He lamented that the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits in some states of the country posed serious security problems.

The governor advocated for “state police” as a means of reducing the nation’s challenges.

Giving the scenario that recently unfolded in Igangan in the axis of Ibarapa State, he stressed the need to strengthen the state police in each state to prevent further attacks against innocent citizens.

The governor also called for the revision of the security architecture of the states as well as the exploration of the natural resources domiciled in each state.

“States need independent powers over their security architecture. We all know that without a secure environment all efforts to attract investors will be in vain.

“True federalism removes excuses from governors and allows citizens to take more interest in local politics and its results,” Makinde said.

According to him, his administration was working hard to anchor true federalism in the state through careful implementation of the four pillars on which his administration is based.

According to him, his administration focused on education, economy, health and safety in the state, resulting in the development of the state economy.

“We are working hard and we are already seeing results. We have the second highest IGR in all of Nigeria, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, ”he said.

Speaking earlier, the governors of Ondo and Osun states, Messrs. Rotimi Akeredolu and Gboyega Oyetola, noted that the summit would further strengthen the country’s democracy.

The governors, who were both represented, said the summit would provide stakeholders with an opportunity to examine gray areas and suggest ways to move the country forward. (NAA)

(NAN)