CALABAR- Bishop Tunde Adeleye of Anglican Diocese of Calabar has called for true federal system of government that includes devolution of powers for the sustainability of Nigeria.
Adeleye made the call on Monday in Calabar at a press briefing to mark the 2017 Anglican Synod of the diocese.
He said that the call or agitation for secession was no longer tenable.
“I don’t believe that this country should divide. I think the issue of secession is longer attractive.
“People should be made to control the resources in their domains and pay to the Federal Government, that is the meaning of true federalism and that is the best option for this country,’’ the cleric said.
He said that proper restructuring of the country would reduce the perceived marginalisation, neglect, oppression and cheating by some ethnic groups.
According to him, this will pave way for devolution of power among the Federal, State and Local Governments.
The cleric said that under true federalism, the Federal Government would be responsible for the foreign affairs; currency immigration, defence, among others.
“The state will be concerned with police, Hospitals, conservation, roads, public transportation, prisons and emergency services.
“The local governments should also handle matters like Bus Stops, local roads and local buildings.
“Each area in the country should return to what they used to do before like Groundnut Pyramid, Hides and Skins in the North; Cocoa in the West and Palm Oil in the East,’’ he said.
The Anglican Bishop commended the Federal Government for its unwavering fight against corruption, advising that it should not be selective.
He regretted that in spite of the efforts by the government, Nigeria still ranked high in the World corruption index by the Transparency International.
The cleric urged Nigerians to vote for people of good characters and integrity comes 2019 elections.
He said that the church would use the synod to pray for our leaders, unity and peace in the country. (NAN)
