Save Nigeria By Implementing 2014 Confab Report – Gowon Tells FG

A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) has noted that all is not well with Nigeria, but posited that proposals contained in the 2014 national conference report had the best responses to the problems bedevilling Nigeria.

He spoke through a former minister of Information and Culture, Prof Jerry Gana, at Araya, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State during the third session of the Sixth Synod of Oleh Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

While calling for a review of the country’s federal system in order to achieve stability and harmony, Gowon stressed that the 2014 national conference report, if implemented, would engender peace and unity in the country.

He pointed out that the provision of grazing reserves would not put an end to the menace of herdsmen across the country, and harped on the need for government to accord priority to matters of community peace and security.

The ex-Head of State, who spoke on the theme: Winning Together, said, “Given the numerous cultural, political and historical diversities within the country, only a federal structure can provide a sustainable basis for our living in peace, security, and harmony.

“To function well, our federal structure must be fair, balanced, equitable and functional. The federating units must be strong enough.

“Beyond the issue of the fundamental structure of the federation in terms of the centre and federating units, we must agree together on the devolution of power from the centre to the federating units. This is the heart of the demand for restructuring.

“Beyond this, we must also justly and fairly resolve the very contentious issue of fiscal federalism especially in matters of revenue mobilization and resource ownership and control.

“The matter of who gets what, where and how much is everywhere in the world very fundamental. You cannot wish it away. Look at it now and resolve it justly, clearly and equitably so that we can live together in peace.

“We asked for the kind of good leadership that produces good governance. Restructuring alone cannot do it. Proper allocation of resources cannot do it alone. We need good leadership because resources have to be used wisely, properly and with accountability.“