The need to repeal section 165 of the 1999 constitution that compels all 3 tiers of government to converge on Abuja to share proceeds of the federation’s natural and mineral resources, Tuesday formed the major focus by stakeholders deliberating the review of document in Lagos.
The stakeholders who gathered of or a two-day South West zonal hearing also harped on the importance of involving Nigerians in Diaspora in the leadership recruitment process of the country, as well return the absolute control of land to state governments as envisaged by the Land Use Act.
Nigerians from all works of life who thronged the Lagos Mariot hotel, Ikeja picked on the issues they consider pivotal to the sociopolitical and economy of the country.
Speaker after speaker sought to dissect the argument as advanced by promoters of a rigid Federal system that stifle progressive agenda aimed at ushering the country into the league of 21st century democracies.
While political office holders from the South West all agreed on the need for state police as reechoed by the Deputy Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, other stakeholders such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), were unanimous in kicking against the removal of the National Minimum Wage from the Exclusive Legislative list.
They said the move by the Nigerian Governors Forum was aimed at crippling the bargaining capacity of the organised labour, a situation they said will no doubt worsen the poverty index among civil servants. Mr. Akeem Anbali Olajide represented the NULGE.
Other professional bodies represented at the even also berated the irony of the Land Use Act which though empower state governments to administer land in their respective dormains, the federal also legislate on land which gives it to ownership of all natural and mineral resources therefrom.
Again, traditional rulers on their parts called for a constitutional role for the traditional institutions, if the worsening insecurity must abate.
Diaspora Nigerians on their part demand the right to participate in the leadership recruitment process of the country that they have done so much to represent as good ambassadors, as well economic effort through remittances into the economy.
The hearing continues today, Wednesday.
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