DAWN Commission lauds Buhari over removal of electricity, railway from Exclusive List

Says S’West govs ready to explore advantages

The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, yesterday, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to constitutional amendment bills that removed electricity generation and railway from the Exclusive Legislative List.

It said the legislation, which moved railway and electricity to the Concurrent Legislative List, granted financial autonomy to state judiciary and legislature, would enhance the federal structure of the country.

In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, the body said it was excited with the development.

The DG said: “No legislation, since 1999, has excited Nigerian development stakeholders as these ones.

“DAWN Commission acknowledges that Nigerian states, by virtue of these amendments, are now empowered to function as true federating units and centres of production that can plan and develop at their own peculiar pace.

“The Commission assures the people of South-West of the governors’ readiness to take advantage of these amendments to demonstrate that prosperity and political stability of Nigeria hinges on political reforms on fiscal federalism and unbundling of the Exclusive Legislative List.

“DAWN Commission has partnered with stakeholders in the railway sector and a roadmap to the actualisation of Great Western Rail will soon be unveiled. Electricity will form the crux of the meeting of the Investment Promotion Agencies of the South-West states in Akure next month.

“Exciting times are ahead and the Commission, with the backing of the governors, is poised to ensure the latest constitutional amendments translate to evident and improved development in the region.

“Though the amendments inch Nigeria towards a truly federal state, more reforms are still needed. The Commission, therefore, calls for further constitutional amendments that guarantee state and community policing, among others. The Commission, in addition, calls for the amendment of the country’s revenue allocation formula, considering that many of the responsibilities that justify the Federal Government’s share of 52.68 per cent have either been privatised or decentralised.

“Lastly, the Commission thanks all well-meaning Nigerians who have demonstrated commitment to political reforms. This major feat should serve as an encouragement to do more.”