Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said on Wednesday that politicians who lost the 2015 general elections were sponsoring the current agitation for restructuring of the country, insisting that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable.
Oshiomhole, who spoke at a one day Colloquium organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with the theme: “The Labour Movement and the Future of United Nigeria: What Role for Restructuring,” also advocated the review of the allocation formula to favour state and local governments.
He said the provision has not been reviewed for the past 18 years in contravention of the law.
The ex-governor’s position on restructuring drew the anger of some of those present at the event who shouted “no, no!” for over five minutes until the intervention of NLC president, Ayuba Wabba.
Oshiomhole, who blamed those that lost out of the 2015 general elections for fueling the agitation for restructuring, argued that most of the wealth worked for by the working class had been annexed by few political elites.
While calling for attitudinal change and values, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain noted that the current federal system in terms of structure and revenue sharing formular cannot lead to even development.”
Despite opposition to his view, an unrepentant Oshiomhole told the gathering that “I am not here to do anybody’s job. I just want to share my thoughts with you. And I will be surprised if any one of you will agree with what I want to say. I want to plead with you, allow me to state my position; then you can disagree.
“That is the tradition of organised labour. And of course, if there are some people who have other issues, I just want to plead with you that what is at stake; is not me. What is at stake is our country. And the country is yours. The country is mine. The country is ours.”
“I believe in the unity of Nigeria. I have said, and I am not saying it for the first time, the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. Just like the unity of the NLC is not negotiable. But, the governance of our country, the quality of leadership, we must continue to review it and continue to engage it.
“I said to you when I was president of the NLC, and I repeated it when I was governor, that we need active citizenry; citizens that can interrogate their leaders. With some of these revelations, I am sure nobody is disturbed.
“If we all continue to lament, I think this is the area, we have to say something. Every person is capable of doing good and also capable of doing bad. From what we have seen in America, when institutions are strong and people are active, people are ready to come out, not sponsored by political opponents, but sponsored by your own conscience and we have robust engagement. I believe things will change.
“I ask us to recognise that no structure will be permanent, or will be perfect. We will have to do devolution of power, we must also do review of our attitudes, our characters and joining forces to fight corruption because what has been taken from a few will not be available for the rest. I do hope that NLC has started this today, you will sustain it.”
The former governor also drew attention to the activities of the former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke, insisting that an active citizenry would checkmate corruption and profligacy in the system.
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This foolish sycophant who's achievement is getting married to his daughter's mate with Edo State money should learn not to worsen the current misery of this government on nigerians which is a direct outcome out of his treacherous trade for power. He is only half smart. Deziani is ill and has issued a statement on these falsehood. Deal with Babachir or publish your income let's see how clean you are. Better still let's know how much the president spent in London.... now I'm sure you can tell how stupid you are....
ReplyDeleteWhen gorilla talks one will then know the difference between animal and human being. Ode! were! After marrying your grand daughter in dollars you are now talking rubbish. Edo state and Nigeria's loss is Cape verde's gain..... by the time the woman is down with high level indirect looting she will just say bye bye!.... When mumu fall guy woman go wack......!
ReplyDeleteOshiomhole, your current statements are clear enough for the citizenry to realise that your ailment is becoming incurable. Your inability to see the need for restructuring Nigeria at this crucial time is a disaster. Your sycophancy will ensure that your kids will for ever remain slaves in the country that is their own by birth.You're in dire need of a Federal appointment, that isn't in disguise. You are selling your people for a pot of porridge. Remember, you won't live forever. What happens to your kinsman should give you some concern but, it is sad to note that you don't seem to care about it because you're more worried that the 200 million you stole from Edo State government will get exhausted in course of time. It's a shame!
ReplyDeleteRestructuring is a genuine agitation in Nigeria, considering the lopsidedness of disbursement of both physical and financial resources of the country. Let's get back to the 1963 Constitution that devolved power to the regions and fashion out how it'll work in our present situation. The 1999 Constitution is a robbery in disguised.
ReplyDelete