By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has again taken a swipe at Nigeria’s system of federalism describing it as faulty and twisted.
In a keynote address presented at a lecture to begin activities marking his second tenure in office, Akeredolu pointed out that “regrettably, even those with palpable national passion and patriotism are today, gradually, tilting to the unintended ethnic nationality cabin.
“Most Nigerians are losing faith in our “Unity in Diversity” sloganeering, but there is an opportunity to restore national consciousness through TRUE FEDERALISM.
“It hurts none, it pays all.
Today, the most potent threat to national belief is insecurity. And because we have allowed a sustained, non-beneficial stagnation for too long in our approach, the consequences are increasingly becoming more daring.
“As leaders, the choices we make create the path to our desires. We cannot pretend that all is well when indeed, more things are going wrong.”
As Chairman, south west governors forum, Akeredolu stated that “what we have set out to do in the South Western States is not targeted at any ethnic nationality or business.
“But we are against criminality and we shall fight criminality with every legal means. It is in the interest of our collective wellbeing. All we require is the support and understanding of all Federating Units, including the Federal Government.
“The simple truth is that we have lived in self-denial amid an excruciating pain that is almost cancerous now. Notwithstanding our challenges today, my firm belief in the Nigerian Project is strengthened by my own fact of a true Nigerian.
“That I desire a more United Nigeria with every ingredient of freedom, rule of law, patriotism, love, mutual respect and harmony is an understatement. And I am prepared to fight for it legitimately for the benefit of all.”
The lecture was delivered by the President of the African Development Bank, Prof Akinwumi Adesina.
