State Govts Are Running Away From Responsibilities – Chidoka

A former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka says Nigerian
governors of shying away from responsibilities, insisting that they
have not fully utilized the powers allotted to them. Chidoka said
this on Saturday at The Platform, a programme organized by The
Covenant Nation.

“The powers of our states are guaranteed. So, the states have no
business going to Abuja except to collect their allocations,” he
explained.

“If they want to establish universities, they are at liberty. If
they want to set up medical health centres and attract doctors from
around the world, they are at liberty. What is holding them back is
work avoidance. Our state governments are avoiding work and we the
people have been deceived that the problem is in Abuja. No, the
problem is not in Abuja. The problem is in our states.

He cited the Federal Capital Territory as a classical example of
the devolution of powers, reiterating that if state governments
eschew laziness, the country will leave up to its potential.

While he said he is not against restructuring, the former
governorship candidate of the United Progressives Party (UPP),
however, wants proponents to be clear on what should be
restructured.

“Tell me what you (restructuring proponents) want removed from
the exclusive list and brought to the concurrent list,” Chidoka
asked.

‘Spirit Of Naija’
According to him, many young Nigerians have disconnected from the
country, claiming that the present cabinet is not a true reflection
of the West African nation.

“The young people have disconnected from Nigeria. Let us take
the spirit of Naija and infuse it into Nigeria. Nigeria has
failed,” he added. “Young people should not wait at home and wait
for reform. Reform is a scam.”

He said the “Naija” spirit is that of innovation, excellence,
and creativity.

“So, what you need is to take the spirit of Naija. That space
where you have freedom; where there is no federal character; that
space where we don’t know tribes and tongues,” the chieftain of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) added.

“That space where we are discussing how to make the next I. T
business. That space where you are talking about the next
innovation.”

A former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka says Nigerian
governors of shying away from responsibilities, insisting that they
have not fully utilized the powers allotted to them. Chidoka said
this on Saturday at The Platform, a programme organized by The
Covenant Nation.

“The powers of our states are guaranteed. So, the states have no
business going to Abuja except to collect their allocations,” he
explained.

“If they want to establish universities, they are at liberty. If
they want to set up medical health centres and attract doctors from
around the world, they are at liberty. What is holding them back is
work avoidance. Our state governments are avoiding work and we the
people have been deceived that the problem is in Abuja. No, the
problem is not in Abuja. The problem is in our states.

He cited the Federal Capital Territory as a classical example of
the devolution of powers, reiterating that if state governments
eschew laziness, the country will leave up to its potential.

While he said he is not against restructuring, the former
governorship candidate of the United Progressives Party (UPP),
however, wants proponents to be clear on what should be
restructured.

“Tell me what you (restructuring proponents) want removed from
the exclusive list and brought to the concurrent list,” Chidoka
asked.

‘Spirit Of Naija’
According to him, many young Nigerians have disconnected from the
country, claiming that the present cabinet is not a true reflection
of the West African nation.

“The young people have disconnected from Nigeria. Let us take
the spirit of Naija and infuse it into Nigeria. Nigeria has
failed,” he added. “Young people should not wait at home and wait
for reform. Reform is a scam.”

He said the “Naija” spirit is that of innovation, excellence,
and creativity.

“So, what you need is to take the spirit of Naija. That space
where you have freedom; where there is no federal character; that
space where we don’t know tribes and tongues,” the chieftain of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) added.

“That space where we are discussing how to make the next I. T
business. That space where you are talking about the next
innovation.”