CAN Demands Creation Of Nine New States

The Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded the creation of Southern Kaduna, Kataf, Gurara, Adada, Cross River North, Okun, Okigwe, and Oke Ogun states.

The secretary-general of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Joseph Daramola, made his reaction yesterday during a press conference in Abuja.

Mr Daramola said, “the creation of the nine ‘new states’ would ensure administrative impartment and governmental dividends.”

CAN also demanded the devolution and decentralisation of power and governance system through the formal introduction of geopolitical zones and regions with clearly assigned roles.

It presented the demands at the public hearing on constitution review by the National Assembly.

The religious body also put forward other recommendations such as gender equality, women empowerment through education and inheritance, equal opportunities in all social-political affairs, 18 years as the age of maturity and consent for marriage.

Others are “federal structure and power devolution; a confederation of independent regions or federation of states or regions. Devolution and decentralisation of power and governance system through the formal introduction of geopolitical zones and regions, with clearly assigned roles.

“Constitutional recognition for traditional rulers and religious leaders by strengthening their cultural and socio-religious leadership responsibilities.”

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.