Gowon adds voice to restructuring, implementation of Jonathan confab report

Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) has cited implementation of some of the recommendations of the 2014 Confab, good leadership as some of things that can guarantee unity and peace in Nigeria.

The confab recommendations were the result of the 2014 National conference put together by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Gowon said there was need for a review of the country’s federal system in order to achieve stability and harmony, adding that the federal structure must be “fair, balanced, equitable and functional and the federating units must be strong enough.

The former head of state, who was represented by a former Minister of Information and Culture, Prof Jerry Gana, stated this at Araya, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State during the third session of the Sixth Synod of Oleh Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

Noting that government should give top priority to matters of community peace and security, he explained that the provision of grazing reserves cannot be the panacea to the menace of herdsmen across the country.

Speaking on a theme, “Winning Together” he said, “Given the numerous cultural, political and historical diversities within the country, only a federal structure can provide a sustainable basis for our living in peace, security, and harmony.

“To function well, our federal structure must be fair, balanced, equitable and functional. The federating units must be strong enough.

Read also: El-Rufai is a ‘notorious liar’ –Ex-President Jonathan

“Beyond the issue of the fundamental structure of the federation in terms of the centre and federating units, we must agree together on the devolution of power from the centre to the federating units. This is the heart of the demand for restructuring.

“Beyond this, we must also justly and fairly resolve the very contentious issue of fiscal federalism especially in matters of revenue mobilization and resource ownership and control. The matter of who gets what, where and how much is everywhere in the world very fundamental. You cannot wish it away. Look at it now and resolve it justly, clearly and equitably so that we can live together in peace.

“We asked for the kind of good leadership that produces good governance. Restructuring alone cannot do it. Proper allocation of resources cannot do it alone. We need good leadership because resources have to be used wisely, properly and with accountability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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