Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on the Federal Government to decentralise the ownership of federal roads, to enable State governments partake in its construction and maintenance, so as to lessen the hardship being experienced by the people.
Prince Abiodun who made this known at the 3rd Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 71st Posthumous Birthday in Ibadan, opined that the longest stretch of federal roads which are in the State, are in deplorable condition, saying there is urgent need to address the growing concerns, which the people see as the responsibility of the State where the roads are.
“It is time to think about how to decentralise ownership of Federal roads, the Lagos State Governor and myself have made several trips to Abuja, pleading that some of these roads be ceded to us. Without adequate infrastructure, there cannot be meaningful economic development and for this to happen, the federal government should consider our request”, he said.
Governor Abiodun also spoke on the need for the Federal Government to incorporate States in the issuance of license to mining companies, saying giving out of license to miners without their involvement, has caused terrible environmental impact, which later become the responsibility of State governments.
Abiodun called for collaborative efforts among States, on issues of roads, and mining activities, saying such would help deepen the ability to find solution to lingering challenges and ways of increasing revenue, urging them to strengthen their ties with the private sector, which could be one of the steps towards survival.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the event, Senator Bola Tinubu, represented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr.Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the late politician believed that the country would be transformed into a great nation, pointing out that more revenue should be made available for States, to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
Tinubu further advocated for the State policing, adding that items like stamp duties for financial transactions, tourism and incorporation of businesses should be allowed to occur at the State level, and be removed from the control of the federal charges.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Nigerian Governor’s Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, stressed the need for the formation of State and municipal police to reduce the work load on the federal government, calling for an increase in the revenue sharing formula in favour of the State governments,
Contributing, the Oni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, said prompt and adequate action should be taken to address insecurity in the nation.
In her presentation, President of the Foundation and wife of the deceased, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, observed that despite numerous amendments in the Laws of Nigeria, there is still complaints about inadequacies in geographical zones of the nation, saying the event was to provide a platform to discuss critical roles States played in facilitating national development.
