Oyo assembly speaker blames Nigeria’s woes on political failure
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Nigeria Conference of Speakers, Adebo Ogundoyin, on Tuesday, called for a new and more inclusive approach to governance.
Ogundoyin, who attributed Nigerian political establishment for the multifaceted challenges that have continued to bedevil the nation, disclosed this while featuring on a live broadcast of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State titled “Guest of the Month,” in Ibadan, the state capital.
He said, “Nigeria’s challenges are not accidental. They are largely the result of political interests overriding national interests. We have failed to adopt a consistent approach to governance.
“Every new administration tosses away the programmes of its predecessor. This lack of continuity is a major obstacle to sustainable development, and that is why we feel very lucky in Oyo State with what the governor is doing since assumption of office.”
The speaker lamented the loss of over 700,000 lives due to violent conflict and criminality as a “national tragedy,” and called on the Federal Government to take urgent action.
“The Federal structure is overstretched. Sub-nationals must be empowered to play a critical role in internal security. The idea that governors will misuse state police is unfounded. Look at how multi-layer policing works in the United States for instance.”
He queried the government’s failure to publish the names of those allegedly sponsoring insecurity, suggesting political interests are shielding perpetrators.
On the controversial six-year single-term proposal floated by Governor Seyi Makinde, Ogundoyin expressed full support.
He said, “Governor Makinde doesn’t just speak, he speaks with intentionality. A six-year single term will eliminate re-election distractions and allow for long-term planning.”
Speaking on Local Governments’ autonomy, Ogundoyin stressed that the Oyo Assembly voted in favour during the last constitutional amendment.
He, therefore, called attention to the economic hardship triggered by fuel subsidy removal, lamenting its adverse effect on businesses and livelihoods.
The speaker then charged Nigerians to be deliberate about their political choices, saying, “Leaders don’t fall from the sky. If we want better governance, citizens must wake up and take active roles in shaping their future.”
Source: Punch
