The revenue allocation formula should be restructured to ensure federating
units get more allocation than the centre, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu
Waziri Tambuwal, has advocated.
“There’s urgent need to review the allocation formula in the country
because doing so will strenghten the Nigerian federation and help to shed
off some of the excess powers the Federal Government currently has,” the
Governor said in Sokoto Wednesday when hosted various groups who paid him a
sallah homage.
The groups include the Sokoto Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and
Agriculture, Association of Resident Communities, Sokoto Women Association
and a Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations, among others.
Tambuwal added that the states and local government areas deserve more
allocation because they shoulder overwhelming responsibilities of the
citizens of the country.
According to him, states and the local governments are the closest tiers of
government to the people, but they are getting less than the federal
government’s allocation from the federation account.
“The ugly trend should be reversed in favour of the federating units, to
enable them meet the overwhelming demands of the people at grassroots
level,” the governor added.
Tambuwal disagreed with those advocating the “geographical” restructuring
of Nigeria, saying with good governance in place, all Nigerians will be
made to have a sense of belonging.
On Nigeria’s unity, Tambuwal said “We believe in the unity of the country
and the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable. Dialogue is also the most
potent tool to resolve all problems, anywhere and at anytime.
“There are really challenges in Nigeria, and it is not peculiar to the
nation, and these challenges are surmountable,” he said.
Speaking to the members of the resident communities, Tambuwal described
them as equal partners in running the affairs of the state.
He also promised that, his administration would not discriminate against
anybody, irrespective of his tribe or religion.
Tambuwal also challenged NGOs and various groups to offer constructive
criticisms to the government.
The President of the chambers of commerce, Alhaji Kabiru Tafida, as well as
the chairman of the association of resident communities, Mr Augustine
Onumba, all hailed Tambuwal for his ” steadfastness” in governance.
