SENATOR Adesoji Akanbi, representing Oyo South Senatorial District has reiterated his long time support for restructuring the country, saying it would help to deliver better development outcomes.
Akanbi, while expressing support for federalism that accommodates devolution of powers to states, he noted that for Nigeria to survive her current challenges, there must be a change of approach in political and economic field.
Interestingly, there have been heated debates at different fora since the call for redrawing the constitution under the present democratic dispensation, it was on this theory that, restructuring is one of the contentious issues that has dominated national discourse in the search for a new constitution, hence, listed for consideration in the Constitutional Amendment.
In a telephone conversation with Mega Icon Magazine on Sunday, the lawmaker representing the most populated senatorial district in Oyo state, Akanbi attributed the alleged underdeveloped of states to the overbearing powers and resources deposited at the centre.
He stressed that the Federal Government is simply too overbearing with too much powers, which allegedly encouraged corruption, wastages and hindered speedy development among others.
Senator Akanbi recalled that devolution of powers, evident in regional government of the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo yielded impressive developments in states and the country at large, adding that the region which was known for education and agriculture carved a niche for itself and was named ‘Pacesetter’.
The former House of Representatives member also noted that federalism encourages competition which brings about continuous modifications of regional comparative advantages, thus helping each state to grow at its own pace.
“This is an important national issue. I am from Southwest and accountable to my people. I held a wide consultation with my constituents before arriving at the position of supporting restructuring”, Akanbi said.
