Middle Belt council faults calls for regional govt

The Middle Belt Council of Elders (MBCE) Chairman General Zamani Lekwot (rtd) has criticised the call to revert to a regional system of Government in Nigeria.

He said that only true federalism would save the nation from disintegration.

Members of the MBCE explained that creating more states in the country will bring government to every nook and cranny of the country and bring development close to the citizens.

Lekwot, in a statement on Wednesday, said that “given the complex nature of our diverse federation, the call by some people for a return to regionalism is untenable.”

He explained that “under such a system before the coup in January 1966, the minorities were seriously marginalised by the major ethnic groups.”

According to him, “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 most cost-effective option, which we fully support.”

Lekwot, who was also the former Military Governor of Rivers State stressed 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 where 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.”