Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has renewed his advocacy for the restructuring of the nation’s political system, saying that the over-concentration of powers in the Federal centre must give way to devolution and decentralisation of power and authority and sustain good governance.
The Governor restated this in a lecture titled “The challenge of change: State Governance, Democratisation and Development in Nigeria”, delivered at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, “Chatham House”, London during the week.
Dr. Fayemi said a critical fundamental political restructuring of the Nigerian federation is an unavoidable step that must be taken to generate the basis for the creation and sustenance of “a participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive national governance and one that is based on the rule of law”.
He added that the structural deformities are responsible for the wobbly state of the Nation and have limited the human and material possibilities of the Nigerian State; leading to “disappointing socio-economic and political realities”.
The Governor said the question of deepening democracy and enhance development will be laid to rest if we use our immense blessings, both human and natural, and transform our potential greatness into real greatness, in order to reduce our deep divisions and enhance or strengthen our unity.
Fayemi stressed that there must be a fundamental political transformation of Nigeria while good governance must become the underlying basis of political power.
He added that the frustration of Nigerians is borne out of unaccountability, lack of transparency and non-participation in the governance process; saying that the principles of justice, fairness and equity should be the mechanism for preserving and consolidating the unity of Nigeria as clamoured in most parts of the country.
While speaking on the strategies used in reclaiming the trust of the people in Ekiti State, the Governor said his administration has been committed to participatory governance even as major decisions relating to project execution and budgetary affairs are now decided by the people through his town hall meetings held ahead of the budget preparation process.
Fayemi said several laws have been signed and are in operation in the State as part of measures to enhance transparency, probity and accountability.
He said though some of the decisions taken by his administration have been controversial, the government has not shied away from decisions that are aimed at restoring the lost glory of the State in various sectors.
The Governor highlighted some of his achievements in the area of infrastructure, education, tourism, industries and agriculture among others; saying these feats were achieved despite the little income that accrue to the State through the federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue.
Last modified: November 29, 2012
