Devolution of power will boost economy, says Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has said that the devolution of power to states would help to achieve a robust economy in the states, stressing that strong and autonomous states would eradicate poverty.

He added that when the judiciary, executive and legislature work assiduously, the synergy would improve the economy.

The Vice President, spoke at the weekend during a special parliamentary session in commemoration of the 3rd Anniversary of the 8th Assembly of Lagos State, with the teheme: “Strengthening legislative institutions: panacea for eradicating democracy,” held at the Assembly chamber, Alausa Lagos.

He contended that it is impossible for the nation to be wealthy when its component parts are poor, pointing out that the standard of living of the federation depends on the standard of living of people who live in the states.

While maintaining that the three of arms of government in each state must work proactively to achieve economic development for its citizens, Osinbajo noted that although he supports devolution and restructuring, it would be impossible to carry out restructuring without major constitutional changes.

For outstanding economic growth, the vice president added, there is need to focus more attention on education, healthcare and provision of jobs through deliberate programmes and injecting more resources to those sectors to benefit the majority of the citizens.

On state police, he said it would tackle the present cases of security challenges confronting the nation, adding: “Local policing is very important as part of security architecture.

“To achieve this, there must be devolution of powers to the states to enable them control their resources. For instance, the great feat achieved by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who as Premier of the then western region relied solely on revenue from taxes and cocoa, were acknowledged worldwide.

“Poverty can be eradicated and a better standard of living and improved development indices are possible by actions of states.”

The vice president remarked that in order to achieve those objectives, “we need stronger states; what does concept of a strong state mean? It means two things: The first is, what states must do for themselves.

By that I mean the three arms of government, especially the executive and the legislature working proactively and creatively as independent administrative and wealth producing economic entities.”

According to him the second is the devolution of more power to the states, “enabling them to control more of their resources and make more of their own administrative decisions, such as creation of local government councils; the state and community police, including the state prisons; creation of special courts and tribunals of equivalent jurisdiction to High Courts. The point is that states must have more powers and more rights.”

In his remarks, Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing the economy of the state.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, harped on cordial working relation between the executive and legislature to move the state forward, as well as, avoid instability and anarchy.