In contrast to popular belief, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Chairman of governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, has stated that Nigeria’s advancement as a nation depends on “restructuring and devolution of powers,” arguing that the Federal Government must “shed weight and devolve more powers to the sub-national governments.”
Tambuwal told a group of journalists in Sokoto that no state in the federation was happy with its allocation from the federation account, as part of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s recent tour to get input from states for an impending review of the revenue allocation formula.
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” No state is satisfied with its current situation. Not even Lagos or Rivers are content with their current situation; thus, how do you want Sokoto and others to feel? We’re all on the lookout for cash and resources. Even the federal government is dissatisfied with its current situation. They (the Federal Government) control the majority, yet they are in need of resources. Ask them; they borrow money to pay their employees’ salaries,” he explained.
“It is not about Sokoto, but what people have been talking about the need for restructuring and devolution of powers in the country,” Tambuwal continued, “it is not about Sokoto, but what people have been talking about the need for restructuring and devolution of powers in the country.” All of those things must be reviewed and restructured away from the centre.
It was something I stated during the PDP Retreat. It is the first step on our route to stability, development, and growth. The federal government has to lose weight and devolve more authority to sub-national governments where the people live. The centre would lose its appeal as a result. Allow the federal government to deal with immigration and other matters that a federal government should be concerned about.”
Tambuwal said it was tough to talk about zoning when asked if he would go against the Southern Governors Forum’s resolution to have a President from the South in 2023. “When it comes to what my southern governors have said, they have a right to their opinion.” When the governors of the Northern states convened in Kaduna, they each said their own thing. But now is the time for political parties to settle down, examine the issues, and devise strategies for winning elections. For any political party, the bottom line is how to win elections. When it comes to democracy and elections, it’s important to consider demography: “Where are you going to obtain the votes?”
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“You know that in 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries that were held in Port Harcourt and I thank God that I finished second,” the Sokoto State Governor remarked, adding that he will make his views on running for president known in a few weeks. Several people have approached me to ask if I would like to try it out. What I can tell you right now is that I will begin my consultations very soon, and whatever feedback I receive, along with prayers, I will make my position public.”
