Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South West zone converged on Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Thursday demanding for true Federalism in the national polity just as the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo reassured that a ‘glorious dawn’ awaits the country.
At the zonal conference of the APC with the theme “The South West and the Challenges of Change in Nigeria”, held inside the Banquet Hall of Premier Hotel, Ibadan, the participants comprising party leaders as well as political office holders lamented that over one year on assumption of office of the administration, citizens of the geo-political zone are yet to feel the positive impact of governance as anticipated.
They called for fundamental restructuring of Nigeria, true and genuine Federalism and all-inclusive participatory government, among others as they reeled out the enormity of the challenges of their people.
Speaking one after the other, participants emphasized the need to continue to support the Federal Government in its ongoing war against corruption while urging party leaders from South West to articulate the challenges and prospects of governance in the zone and formally present same to the Presidency with a view to cushioning the socio-economic hardship of the citizenry.
Specifically, they resolved to reposition the South West geo-political zone for unity, consultation and collaboration to ensure better service delivery to their people.
While expressing worry for the dwindling national economy, the APC South West leaders canvassed for restructuring of the country by ensuring a genuine and true Federalism submitting that “it is impossible to go on like this if any meaningful development is to be achieved.”
The party leaders also called for a review of the Executive Presidential system of Government currently being practiced in Nigeria saying “it is wasteful, expensive and corrupt.”
Vice President Osinbajo, in his address to the gathering delivered on his behalf by the Special Adviser to the President on Politic Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said that the Presidency is not unaware of the economic hardship that the people are facing.
His words: “President Muhammadu Buhari is only too aware of the economic hardship that our people are facing. He feels the pains that you feel, and he has asked me to reassure you that a glorious dawn awaits!”
Speaking further, the Vice President said: “As you all may well know, the darkest part of the night is the period before dawn. Nigeria’s dawn is about to break! We are determined to turn things around, so that, once more, our people will begin to feel the real impact of government in their lives.
“Our plea to our people is for greater understanding and patience even as we forge ahead to continue the work of making the lives of all Nigerians better again. We seek your continued trust and ask you all to join hands with the government as we tackle and surmount the challenges ahead. Change is not easy, but we are not relenting until we achieve a better life for all Nigerians.
“The change that we advocate will be irrevocable when we are finally done. We just have to change from our old ways of doing things because things cannot be allowed to continue the way they were. Though things may appear difficult at the moment, it will not be long before Nigerians start deriving the full benefits of the current policies of government which are designed to reposition the country and improve on the prevailing economic situation.”
Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/apc-s-w-demands-true-federalism/159428.html#ZT8HLHmJliee7PS7.99
