Press Releases

Fashola Calls For Devolution Of More Powers To States As True Federating Units

Nov 7, 2008 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Friday called for the devolution of more powers to the states as the true federating unit and the entrenchment of true fiscal federalism.

The Governor who spoke at a gathering of eminent lagosians and parliamentarians at the state and federal level for the Second Executive Legislative parley with the theme: “Towards a Lagos State Position on the Review of the 1999 Constitution” organized by the Political and legislative Powers Bureau at the Peninsular Resort Ajah, also called for the reordering of the revenue allocation formular to provide additional revenue to the state .

He called for a devolution of more powers to the states and local government because they represents the government of the people, saying the states should be allowed to keep whatever they earn in terms of revenue.

He added that states should be given constitutional responsibilities of creating local government and saddled with what affect the people at the grassroots.

He said the Federal Government keeps about 52 percent of the revenue generated by the country adding that the remainder is shared among the States leading to poverty being more pronounced across the country.

He called for the review of the issue of remuneration of public officers centrally, asking that states should be allowed to pay its public officials what it deems appropriate.

The Lagos State helmsman reiterated that laws such as those that were enacted when there was no opportunity to debate legislation like the Value Added Tax laws, FRSC laws to solely produce drivers license and the National Inland Waterways laws should be repealed outright.

Governor Fashola explained that the provision in the Railways Act that a state must seek permission from the Nigerian Railways to do intercity rail despite the provision of the residual list that only a Governor can legislate on land matters is very ambiguous and should be revisited.

He asked that Nigerians need to be cautious about multiplicity or wholesome changing of the constitution, but that efforts should be intensified to ensure that essential amendments to make the notion of federal constitution more pronounced and effective.

Governor Fashola added that the proposed constitution must be explicit that it is only where there is a threat to national security or a breakdown of law and order is looming that the provision be used.

The Governor stressed the need to agree urgently on the issues that affect the state and the obligation to present alternative viewpoints which the people must be mobilized to support.

Governor Fashola added that the constitution needs not just amendments but also clarifications to avoid ambiguities.

He warned that if care is not taken, the most strident propagandist will soon drown out the rest of everyone , adding that it is not always how good an idea is, but how well it has been articulated and how consistent its proponents are.

Continuing, Governor Fashola emphasized that consumption tax is still being collected by the Federal Government when it is not even an exclusive or concurrent legislative matter jut as the issue of reviewing the revenue formula and extending the derivation principle.

He said the aim of the parley is self examination which is a crucial precondition for self improvement.

He added that the new constitution must not allow any court to have the powers of determining the appropriateness or otherwise to withhold any funds legitimately due to any tier of Government.

The Governor also warned against any wholesome review of the Land Use Act which he said would be tantamount to removing the gains which have been made in the last 30 years of its operation.

He added that the problem of land usage is with the procedure for applying the law not the law itself , adding that

Presenting proposals for the Constitutional review, former Attorney General of the State Professor Yemi Osinbajo said the constitution shall be founded on the principles of federalism with all arms according primacy to the principles of federalism in their actions and pronouncements.

He also proposed two exclusive legislative lists with one being federal and the other being state with a clear provision which then specifically provides that all matters are exclusively within the jurisdiction of the state.

Also speaking, Alhaji Femi Okunnu who chaired the occasion called for proper revenue sharing that is in line with the principles of true federalism and also sought the granting of unlimited powers to the judiciary at the state level as it was before 1993.

In his submission, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora called for the strengthening of the electoral process to ensure that election disputes are resolved before swearing in of elected officers.