South West APC Insists on True Federalism

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and his counterpart in Oyo State as well as a scholar, Professor Ropo Shekoni have reiterated a call for restructuring and federalism in the country pointing out that the current system did not favour the South West.

The trio spoke in Ibadan on Thursday during the South West meeting of leaders and members of All Progressive Congress and a public lecture.

Aregbesola who has been at loggerheads with workers of Osun state that have for long been receiving half of their monthly salaries,the half of being paid irregularly admitted that times are hard.

“Despite the presence of mineral resources in Osun, there is no money to tap the resources. Restructuring and true federalism will address all these issues because the wealth of Nigeria is not being fairly shared “. He lamented

Directing his party, particularly leaders in the South West to lead in the agitation, the Governor pointed out that the present presidential system of government was expensive and wasteful.

“We must demand as a group, for true federalism, a Nigeria that all will be inclusive. Let our party in this region organise quarterly meeting to discuss our common interest, he added.

Governor Ajimobi charged all party leaders in the region to have avenue where position papers would regularly discuss on the nation’s economy.

Advising the party leaders not to play ostrich role, Ajimobi warned “if you leave the President alone to be misled by a few cabals, the effect would be disastrous for the country.

He added that the position of party leaders in the region on major issues should regularly be articulated to the President adding that the President could not address the problems which he did not know.

Professor Shekoni, the guest lecturer stressed that much as he fully aligned with a call for federalism, the unity of Nigeria should not be compromised.

In his goodwill message sent to the meeting, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo through Senator Babafemi Ojudu pleaded for patience from Nigerians assuring that the period of hardship would soon be over.