₦airaland Forum

https://www.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Former-Secretary-General-of-the-Commonwealth-Dr.-Emeka-Anyaoku.jpg
Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Dr. Emeka Anyaoku

A former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Dr. Emeka Anyaoku, on Tuesday canvassed the abolition of the 36 state governments in the country.

Anyaoku, who spoke at a public symposium organised by the Nigerian Bible Society in Enugu, said most of the state governments are not viable, as they are finding it difficult to pay their workers.

At the event, which was held at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Anglican Communion, Enugu, Anyaoku canvassed a return to the regional structure practiced in the First Republic, with the country’s six regions forming federating units.

According to him, the current 36-state structure is unwieldy and very expensive.

He explained that the multiplication of administrative organs occasioned by the 36-state structure meant that a major proportion of the country’s resources is spent on administration.

He said, “The present governance arrangement we have, with the country comprising of 36 non-viable states, most of which cannot pay the salaries of their teachers and civil servants, is not the best.

“Rather, we should return to an arrangement where the six regions will form six federating units.

“Having 36 states mean we have 36 state assemblies, 36 judiciary services, etc, and all these means that the country is spending too much money on administration,” he said.

Anyaoku noted that that Nigeria recorded more development during the era of the six regional governments.

“Those of us who are old enough to remember the six regions know that the country was developing better in those days,” Anyaoku said.

Anyaoku commended the Anglican Church in Nigeria for opposing same-sex marriage, despite the acceptance of the practice by the English chapter of the church.

He commended the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, for openly resisting moves by western powers to impose gay marriage on the Nigerian congregation.

Anyaoku said, “One of the problems that is threatening to divide the Anglican Church is the question of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

“I am not an authority on the Holy Bible but I was brought up to believe that it is not right,” he said.

Anyaoku, however, expressed disappointment at the failure of multitudes of religious institutions in the country to address the high rate of immorality and corruption among Nigerians.

He noted that, although Nigeria is widely seen as a highly religious country, majority of Nigerians are of questionable character.

While speaking on ‘The role of religion in combating ills in the society’, Anyaoku called for a “moral revival” in the country.

Anyaoku said, “It is said that Nigeria is one of the most religious countries but yet there is a high degree of corruption in Nigeria – there are corrupt practices including examination malpractice in Nigeria.

“It is so bad that some parents assist their children to engage in examination malpractice.

“Religious leaders have a role to preach to their followers the revival of the values held dear by our people in the past.

“Children should be taught that success should come from hardwork, they should be taught that the biggest possession a man should have is integrity and good character.”

He cautioned religious leaders, including pastors, priests and imams, against accepting donations from “people whose source of wealth is not clear”.

Bishop Chukwuma, at the event, delivered a lecture entitled ‘Impact of Bible translation on evangelism’.

http://www.punchng.com/29998-2/

Implement the confab report, why is a certain region scared of true Federalism?

Wise man from the east.

TippyTop:
Implement the confab report, why is a certain region scared of true Federalism?

Hm. Define true federalism.
If you are referring to the north then my brother you are on a long thing.
True federalism(according to you) will be benefit the west the most followed by the North( particularly the north central).

Denial of this shows that you never traveled out of you region.
South east go suffer am pass.


No quote me talk nonsense, because my gun don rust I dey look for person wey I go use grease am.

LRNZH:
Did the confab report recommend a return to regionalism?

Anyway, I agree with Dr. Anyaoku. The Nigerian experience is that; instead of bringing government closer to the people, states creation multiplied the number of channels to siphon public monies intonprivate pockets.

Regional.governments will wield better people focused administration of policies and execution of projects. Our governors are a discouragement to the state structure.

Lest we forget, nowhere did Dr. Anyaoku suggest secession from Nigeria in any form. IPODS, take note!

The confab report addressed the malaise Anyaoku is talking about.

Wise words. Ironically, some elements are still agitating for more states when the existing ones can't be effectively managed. True Federalism is inevitable...

If leaders of this country are sincere about her wellbeing and development they should adopt the last NATIONAL CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS.

FISCAL FEDERALISM or REGIONAL GOVERNMENT are other options that'll speed up development too.

This continuous 'sharing' of oil money ain't doing us any good.

Instead of them to back/support this great elder state man now, they will rather follow a certain zoo inmate to be agitating for ethnic cleansing.