THE MIDDLE BELT COUNCIL OF ELDERS SUPPORTS TRUE FEDERALISM

The Middle Belt Elders Council, MBEC, has thrown for true federalism its weight behind the campaign for true federLism in Nigeria, as against the return to regional government, as obtained in the past.
A press release jointly signed by its chairman and secretary, General Zamani Lekwot and Jonathan Ishaku, and made available to newsmen stated that,
Hry a4gued that, given the complex nature of Nigetias diverse federation, the call by some people for a retum to regionalism is untenable.
Acvotding to thrm, under such a system before the coup in January 1966, the miriorities were seriously marginalized by the major ethnic groups in the ciu try. Since change is the progressive phenomenon that makes life interesting, true federalism with the states under the zones as the federating units vide the 2014 National Conference recommendation is the best and most cost effective.
In decksri g their support for true federalism, the elders argued that, creating a few more states with boundary adjustments where necessary will bring government to every nook and cranny of the federation to enhance purposeful development, peace and tranquility.
Under this arrangement, the states will take charge of their resources and contribute to the Federal Government as was the case before.
“This will give vent to a healthy competition among the states and infuse a deep sense of belonging and patriotism in everyone”, they averred.
“The vast agricultural land, huge natural resources and the creative talents abound in the states will then be properly harnessed to free us from the shackles of poverty and insecurity by providing employment for the teeming youth”
According to them, “This is what the call for re-structuring, which should be set in motion without further delay, is all aboabout”.
The council also orsyed to God to guide Nigerian leaders to mend their ways to assuage the current anguish that has overwhelmed the country for her to take her pride of place in the comity of nations soon.