There were divergent views by various groups that submitted memorandum at the public hearing by the All Progressives Congress (APC) North East sub-committee ‎on 'True Federalism’ held in Bauchi Monday.

The ‎Northeast sub-committee, headed by former Edo State Governor, Senator Oseirhemen Osunbor held the public hearing for the Northeastern states of Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States to know the views of people of the three states on federalism.‎

Speaking separately at the occasion, the three Governors of Bauchi, Yobe and Borno States expressed their views over the current agitation for restructuring from some parts of the country.

On his part, Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar said that there was need to have a national consensus on the issue of restructuring which he said should meet the yearning and aspirations of all Nigerians.

Abubakar, who was represented by his Deputy, Engineer Nuhu Gidado, siad that they believed in one united Nigeria and did not subscribe to its break up but should remain as one country.

“Also, any position to be taken on restructuring must be in tandem with the people’s view in line with APC manifesto and our party’s change Agenda,” he said.

Abubakar however called for the devolution of power adding that Agriculture and Education should removed ‎from the exclusive list.

In his submission, Borno State Governor Alhaji Kashim Shetima said that there is no need for restructuring and that corruption and injustice should be adequately checkmated.

Shetima who was represented by the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdukarim Lawal said that agitation for restructuring was awaken by the injustice and corrupt practices of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maladministration in the last 16 years.

‎The Borno State governor added that what Nigeria needs are honest leaders like president Muhammadu Buhari who are interested in the plight of the people and fighting corruption.

“My opinion and the opinion of Borno State Government is that the present federalism be maintained and build strong institutions that will stand a test of time,” he said.

On the other hand, Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam called for amendment of 1999 constitution by National Assembly to address some critical issues that needed to be looked into in the interest of Nigeria and its people.

‎Geidam who was represented by the Permanent Secretary government House, Lawal Hassan said, “All we need in Nigeria is good governance hence the need for National Assembly to amend our constitution.”

In his remarks, the team leader of the public hearing in the North East, Senator Oseirhemen Osunbor, said the aim of the public hearing by the APC is to help in resolving issues on restructuring and to listen to the people and engage them in the debates.

Osumbor, Former Governor of Edo State said that the key issues to address at the public hearing are creation/merger of states, derivation principle, devolution of powers and federations units.

Other issues include fiscal federalism and revenue allocation, form of Government, independent candidacy, land tenure system, local government autonomy, power sharing and rotation, resource control and type of legislature.

APC National Chairman, Chief Odigie Oyegun constituted the committee on True Federalism to review some aspects of federalism‎ as regards to public perception vis-a-vis the party’s manifesto.

Various interest groups, Labour unions, Civil Society Organisations, religious organisations and others have also presented memorandum on the selected issues. (Daily Trust)

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