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PAGE 20 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 29, 2020 APC panel on restructuring (II) Majority of Nigerians want devolution of powers …oppose merger of states •S/East strong on demand for additional state •Weak demand for regionalism across country In the second part of our serialization of the report of the panel raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on restructuring, the committee found that, although there are divergent views on devolution of powers, majority of Nigerians favour it. The panel was headed by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State but since the report was submitted in 2018, it has been in the cooler. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Creation of states Opposition to creation of new states is strongest among respondents from the northern states and online. North-West in particular is very strong in this regard. On the other hand, North-East, North-West, South-East and online respondents are fairly strong in their advocacy fo r the creation of more states. South-East in particular is seeking the creation of an additional state to achieve parity with other geo-political zones. The demand for regionalism exists but in a low key. The demand came up in the FCT, North-West, South-West and among electronic respondents. The low intensity of the demand does not warrant a major consideration at this time. It would seem that the preference in general is for retaining what we have. Overall across the country, 48% of respondents are opposed to creation of new states while 36% are in support. The demand for return to regions enjoys support from 7% respondents while only 9% are actually in favour of maintaining the status quo. Recommendation It is the considered opinion of the committee that creation of more states is not expedient because to do so will merely create new subnational bureaucracies and their attendant costs while reducing the share of federal statutory allocation accruing to existing and proposed new states that are already grappling with the high cost of governance, payment of salaries of workers and bringing development to their people. The creation of states could further weaken the federating units and thus run contrary to popular demands for “true federalism” which the APC stands for. The creation of new states would weaken rather than strengthen true federalism in the sense of denying federating units enough resources and ability to discharge additional responsibilities that would be thrust on them. However, there may be a need to attend to the isolated case of South- East zone where there is a demand to balance states to be equal to other geo-political zones. Since there are clear procedures already spelt out in the constitution should the need arise in future, and such demand enjoys widespread support, deserving cases cannot be ruled out. Indeed, the Nigeria constitution should and does leave room for creation of states in future provided the laid down requirements are met. Merger of states Three views were variously expressed here namely opposition, support and status quo. Opposition to merger of states is clearly very strong in North-East, North-West and North-Central while the support was low key in FCT, South-West and South-South. There is some support for the idea in the North-Central, North-West and South-West although at low key. Some others in the North- Central and South-West simply prefer the status quo. In general, the consensus is clearly in opposition to merger of states. Overall, 78% of respondents are opposed to merger of states while only 16% are in support. 8% are in support of maintaining the status quo. Recommendation There is no widespread support for merger of states. Merger would entail the fusion of two or more states into one state while the previous entity or entities would cease to exist as states. This does not enjoy wide support as hardly anyone would want their state abolished or be replaced The Committee recommends that the party put its political weight behind the overwhelming popular demand for devolution to states by the federal government with a higher or different political leadership and authority. Nonetheless the committee strongly recommends that the Constitution should provide for legal and administrative frameworks for states that might in future wish to consider this option provided this does not threaten the authority or existence of the federation. This recommendation is based on the growing regional economic cooperation that is being witnessed among states in various geopolitical zones of the country in order to maximize their potentials and opportunities. Devolution of powers Nationwide and based on weighted data, 74% of respondents are in favour of devolution of powers while only 7% are explicitly opposed to it. Of all stakeholders who submitted memoranda, 19% did not offer any opinion about devolution. Responses on devolution of powers are overwhelmingly in favour of devolution of powers across all geographical zones and online respondents. There is some notable opposition among stakeholders from the North-East, North-West and South-West even though more are still in support than those opposed to the idea of devolution of powers in those zones. Items to devolve The 74% that support devolution is further analyzed to see the specific items that stakeholders are advocating for devolution. More than 30 items were identified by stakeholders for devolution from federal to state governments across the six zones and online submissions. Among these items, police and community policing topped the list. Other items that were identified by a significant number of stakeholders include education, prisons, health, road, security, agriculture, railway, mineral resources, trade and commerce and housing. Most stakeholders are demanding devolution of security (state/community Police, 19%), social services (education, health and housing, 11%), commerce (9%), natural resources (land, water, fish and fisheries, 8%), transportation (roads, railways and maritime, 8°/0). Those asking for devolution of powers in respect of roads are actually of the opinion that management of most roads should be ceded to state governments while the federal government be limited to only a few cross country inter-state roads. It is important to note that stakeholders in Sokoto and Uyo locations did not identify specific items which they wanted to be part of devolution of powers to other stakeholders. FCT In line with the national viewpoint, Police/Community Policing was most widely mentioned in FCT as an item for devolution. Other items that enjoyed most of the stakeholders’ support for devolution are railways, airport, defense, prisons and price control. Ilorin Police/Community Policing is the number one item the stakeholders in Ilorin wanted to be transferred to other tiers of government. In addition, education, health, agriculture, mineral resources, fire service and market are other preferred items. Jos With Police/Community Policing topping their demand, stakeholders in Jos location identified twelve items among which are education, prisons, health, security, agriculture, railway, mineral resources, customs & excise, labour, airport, maritime, License and mining Bauchi Police/Community Policing, mineral resources, trade and commerce are the three most important items the stakeholders from Bauchi wanted for devolution to the states, followed by railway, prisons and taxation. Adamawa Police/Community Policing tops other preferred items such as education, prisons, health, road, security, agriculture, railway, mineral resources, trade and commerce, water, military/ intelligence and judiciary for devolution. Kano Just like most of the locations, Kano stakeholders agreed that Police/Community Policing should be number one on the list of various items identified for devolution of powers. Also, demanded are prisons, health, road, security, agriculture, railway, custom & excise, labour and military/intelligence. Edo For stakeholders in Edo, only three items were specifically mentioned for devolution of powers namely, security, customs & excise and citizenship. Akure Among the nine items proposed for devolution of powers in Akure location, Police/Community Policing emerged top on the list. Other items identified include education, prisons, road, agriculture, railway, mineral resources, maritime and transportation. Ibadan The position of Ibadan stakeholders is in favour of seven items with Police/Community Policing top of the list. Other items include education, prisons, road, water, labour and military/ intelligence. Devolution of powers items Online The number of items identified by online respondents for devolution of powers is more than any of the locations. Also, online respondents reaffirmed the general position by identifying Police/Community Policing as number one. Others are education, prisons, health, road, security, agriculture, railway, mineral resources, trade and commerce, customs & excise, external affairs, housing, water, military/ intelligence, airport, defense, immigration, fire service and rural electrification. Recommendation The Committee recommends that the party put its political weight behind the overwhelming popular demand for devolution to states by the federal government. This would entail the transfer of items on the Exclusive Legislative List, some to Concurrent List and others residual to the states to enhance and localize the demand side of governance and make states more accountable to the electorate thereby freeing the federal government to concentrate on regulatory functions and as a basis for incorporating diverse local political interests into the national policy priorities. A major issue with the Nigerian federation is the enormous exclusive legislative powers of the federal government with resultant over-centralization of power and authority. It is generally believed that a further decentralization of some of these powers by devolving more powers, autonomy, and resources to the federating units will foster efficiency and subnational responsiveness and local accountability. Based on the views expressed by stakeholders consulted and view point from the consultation centers, the committee hereby recommends the following schedule of distribution of roles or powers between the federal, state and local government for consideration for constitutional amendment. To be continued
SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 29, 2020, PAGE 21 When the cash-cow dies! About a fortnight ago, I ran into an old friend on the Island. I was really glad to see him. He’d simply disappeared from the social scene with his family. After the usual pleasantries, he told me he had to leave the country when he did as his life was virtually falling apart. He explained: “I was thinking of what to do with my life after I was made redundant when I heard the good news that a bosom friend Leke, was being made a top dog in one of the local governments. What a stroke of luck! “After series of meetings with him, he agreed I wasn’t really the businessman material. But if I could provide fund, the fund would be invested with contractors who had little or no cash to effectively execute their contracts, and regular returns would be made to me on my capital. I was ecstatic. All my redundancy pay and the little I’d put by from some of the petty contracts I’d done in the past were handed over to him. Talk about watching your money grow! Since he was the over-all boss, my cheques were paid and my investment almost tripled. My Camry car had had its share of refurbishing. This was the time to buy another car. And none of the tokunbo variety either. “I went round a few car dealers and collected prices Seplat flaunts the potentials of Oben Gas Plant …as firm pays courtesy calls on Edo governor, community leaders The Seplat team with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, November 20, received a team of SEPLAT executives who were on a visit to Edo State government as well as host communities of the Oben Gas Plant facility sited at Oben Field situated in the state. SEPLAT has deepened its business and investment in energy infrastructure in Oben Field with its construction, years ago, of a massive state of the art ultra-modern gas plant which today supplies gas to energy companies and industries across Nigeria. The Oben gas plant provides gas that facilitates the provision of over thirtyfive per cent of electricity in the country. According to Roger Brown, who recently assumed office as Seplat new Chief Executive Officer, "it was pertinent to pay courtesy visit to critical stakeholders who are our hosts in these areas where our significant gas as well as oil assets are located". The SEPLAT team, comprising the Chairman, Dr ABC Orjiako; Chief Executive of cars that would now suit my new status. My capital was still in my friend’s outfit – all that I would be spending would be the interest and this was after my friend had taken his share! I also had money to buy my round of drinks at the Club and at parties. Life was good. “Out of greed, I told my friend I wanted a really showy car. Could I lump my savings with the capital and re-invest so that the returns would be high? He was agreeable to this but when next I saw him, he told me some nosey external auditors were looking through the books with a tooth-comb. He, therefore, suggested that we cool things for about six months. Since he complained that the company we used featured too frequently in their books, I suggested we register a new company. He reluctantly agreed. His reluctance led me to pump all the money I had into this new company knowing the returns would be higher. After that, if my friend wanted to take things easy, I would be gone with my nice windfall. I was stuck in one of the long queues that were the norm in those days, and was getting really impatient by the long wait when a friend spotted me and walked over to my car. “Isn’t it sad about Leke?”, he asked. I spluttered, “What happened to him?”`Didn’t you hear/ He died this morning. “This conversation took Officer, Brown, and other executives, began the visit with a courtesy call to Obaseki and later to His Royal Majesty, Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue 1, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, and His Royal Highness, Odoligie Frederick Ogiemwonyi, the Enogie of Oben community. During the courtesy visit to Obaseki, the SEPLAT CEO congratulated the governor on his re-election and successful inauguration for another four years in office. He said SEPLAT would continue to create value for the federal and state governments through the payment of royalty, taxes and levies; communities through robust corporate social investments especially in capacity development, sustainable community infrastructure projects and economic empowerment programmes. Brown reaffirmed that SEPLAT has continued to drive up its commitment to increasing the country's energy security and boosting Nigeria's gas to power initiative through deliberate place late in the night. As soon as I filled my tank, I drove straight to Leke’s house. It was a bit quiet but the night guard confirmed what I just learnt. I didn’t know how I made it back home. I woke my wife and was crying like a lunatic. My tears were for all the fortune I would be losing by Leke’s death. What would happen to my five children for goodness sake? My landlord had also reminded me that my annual rent would be due soon. Now this, my wife was really upset that I took things so much to heart. I hadn’t told her the shady deals we did and how much Leke and I were making on the side. “He was buried a week later. His remains were laid in his house for about two hours before he was taken away for burial. I wanted to be there. To see his body. To really confirm that he was now helpless to retrieve my STEP will develop the competencies of teachers to improve the quality of their teaching significant investment in its gas business. He added, "To date, Oben remains a major gas hub and that the company has recently drilled additional new gas wells in Oben to increase further our production and our ability to meet growing demands". The CEO elaborated the numerous benefits of the Oben Gas Plant to the immediate communities, the state and the country. He also harped on the different activities and programmes of the company in Edo. Brown listed a few to include the provision of medical equipment/items to the state government to support containment of COV- ID-19 pandemic and also provision of palliatives to communities to cushion the effects of the lockdown arising from the COVID-19 pandemic Ṫhe SEPLAT CEO added: "As a responsible corporate organization, we are committed to contributing to the development of Edo State, economically and otherwise. “Since the commencement money for me. “His body wasn’t the most pleasant sight I’d seen. He looked grotesque and almost unrecognisable. How could you? I screamed at him silently as I paid my bogus last respect. How could you die now with all that money at stake? I staggered out of the room and went back home. There was no point going for any funeral service or the actual burial. I didn’t feel up to it at all. “About a week later, I went back to his office. Because Leke and I were very close, I never dealt with his staff directly. It was Leke who always collected the cheques and he always promised to take care of the `boys’. It was one of them who told me, along with the contractor we always used, that the auditors were around if I wanted to talk to them. The auditors told me after I’d said my piece that my of operations in the state, the company has undertaken important health, education and numerous community development projects to support sustainable development in Edo”. He highlighted that, in addition to the yearly Seplat PEARLs Quiz programme for Secondary Schools, which has helped students' academic performance in Edo, Seplat just introduced a new programme targeted at teachers. The new programme, called SEPLAT Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), was scheduled to debut in Benin on November 24. It will systematically support and encourage Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in schools. STEP will develop the competencies of teachers to improve the quality of their teaching. The select teachers will in six months, undergo a customized programme. A total of hundred teachers from Edo and Delta will be the first beneficiaries in the first instance. Obaseki, in his remarks, welcomed the SEPLAT team and commended the company and its partner, NPDC, for the significant investment made in Edo. He pledged the state government’s continual support of the company in its quest to drive development in Edo. The governor assured of the state and communities collaboration with SEPLAT in providing the enabling environment for the company to operate. Obaseki expressed his appreciation for Seplat's money was a small drop in the ocean of misappropriation they were trying to sort out. They said I should write a formal complaint in triplicate and bring them back to the office. They would look into my case after they’d dealt with the big ones. “I never went back. What was the point? I was now in my late fifties. What sort of job would I be looking for at my age? And since all my savings were now wiped off leaving me in debts, what capital could I boast of to start a new business with? I finally relocated to Britain. We are all British citizens and my pensions were being paid already. Life was bearable but I missed home. It was at this point my wife started talking back whenever I scolded her. She said I was a tyrant and a bully. That she stuck it in Nigeria because I refused to encourage her to work. Well, that was over, she threatened. “One more violence from me and she would deal with me! She’d never in her life spoken to me like that before. I was blind with rage and I struck her. She rushed out of the house and came back with the police! They told me politely that my wife feared for her life and didn’t want me around her and her children as I was a dangerous man. Could I pack a few of my things and leave? I felt really defeated, I’d forgotten that you don’t get away with domestic violence in Britain. If a family were to break up, it social programmes. He noted that the goals of educational initiatives of SEPLAT align with that of the state which emphasizes improving the standard of education. The governor continued: "We are focused on education, retooling and resetting our educational system. “Thank you for your quiz programme. Our children are now learning because we have retooled our educational system in Edo State. “We would like to work with you on the teachers' employment programme because as a state, we have experimented a lot in terms of teachers' reforms. “I just reviewed the progress we have made in the threeyear teachers' programme that we have just introduced in Edo State." Obaseki requested to partner with Seplat in the construction of roads in some parts of Edo. He also charged the company to provide electricity to some immediate communities within its operations. During the courtesy visit to the Orodje, Mujakperuo, Seplat Chairman, Orjiako, thanked the monarch for the cordial working relationship between the company and its communities in Okpe Kingdom. He expressed appreciation for the support given to the company since inception regarding its operations, adding that Seplat is committed to the development of Okpe Kingdom. In his remarks, Brown also expressed appreciation to the Orodje for the support given to the company for its operations. The CEO assured that s the husband that is asked to leave. So I left and that was the end of my marriage! My wife has found some caring jobs to do, my children are in good schools so they don’t really need me. “I found a modest accommodation and have since picked up the pieces of my life. I have a British passport, so girls are no problem as they believe I would re-marry and make my new wife a citizen. I don’t intend to do any of such thing. And I don’t intend to tell them either. Since women are deft hands at deceiving and using men, I intend to play them at their own games ..” Too much of a good thing (Humour) Mrs. Kelly is at the shops when she bumps into Father Flaherty. “Hello, Mrs. Kelly!” he says. “Didn’t I marry you and your husband two years ago? “Yes, Father”, she replies. “And any wee ones yet?”, “No, not yet”. Father, “Well, I will light a candle for you and your husband”. `Oh, thank you’, she says. Some years later, they meet again. The priest asks: Mrs. Kelly, how are you these days? Oh, very well, Father, she replies. “So, have you any wee ones yet?” `Yes, Father’, she tells him. `Three sets of twins and four singles 10 in all’. “That’s just great”, the priest says. “And how’s your husband? Mrs. Kelly replies curtly. `He’s gone off to Rome to blow out your blasted candle’. Seplat is committed to the infrastructural and capacity development of communities in the Okpe Kingdom. Mujakperuo, who gladly received the Seplat team, commended the company for its commitment and support to host communities, stressing that the relationship must remain a win-win situation for the people and Seplat. He urged the company to continue its good works while enjoining it to provide additional support in healthcare infrastructure, employment of graduates from the area and award of contracts to Okpe vendors. At the palace of the Enogie of Oben, Brown commended Oben Field Communities for providing the enabling environment for Seplat to operate. The CEO emphasized the importance of Oben to the company's business and the nation with the colossal gas infrastructure in Oben Community. He stressed that the firm would sustain the working relationship with the Oben Field Communities and continue to execute sustainable community development projects and programmes for the benefits of the communities. The Enogie and other Oben Field Community leaders, while expressing their appreciation on the Seplat visit and activities in their locality, requested the company to employ its teeming youth; provide uninterrupted electricity and patronage of indigenous contractors from the communities. Brown pledged the company's willingness to sustaining the cordial working relationship between it and the communities whilst reiterating the commitment to contributing to their socioeconomic development through Seplat's continued sustainable community development activities and programmes.
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Page 11 and 12: Fellow Nigerians, jawjaw is better
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Page 23 and 24: Maradona’s “Hand Of God” shir

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