Presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that he would devolve more powers to the federating states, if elected as president in 2027.
Makinde on devolution of more powers to states
Acknowledging the imperative of devolution of powers, he said more powers would be devolved to the state so they will be able to tackle insecurity and other challenges.
This was as Makinde, who is the governor of Oyo State, promised to reset the economy, ensuring that it works 24/7 for the good of the Nigerian people.
He stated this on Tuesday, at the North-West Consultative Meeting, held in Daura, Katsina State, maintaining that his government would reset the political system in a way that the Federal Government can better serve Nigerians.
He equally stated that his government would also give priority attention to resetting the education, health, security and other sectors.
The presidential candidate spoke shortly after meeting APM candidates and stakeholders in the North-West geopolitical zone.
He equally took the opportunity to respond to the false claim by the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, that the Federal Government gave Oyo State a ₦50 billion intervention fund to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, noting that the project has, so far, been fully undertaken by the state government.
He said: “I am glad to be here at the North-West Consultative Meeting. We have met with our candidates, our stakeholders, and I have listened to you.
“We are here to bring the message of Reset Nigeria to the North-West corner of Nigeria. I have listened to you.
“First, we want to reset our economy. People will argue that Nigeria is rich in natural resources.
“But in addition to natural resources, we need entrepreneurship, we must also have skills and knowledge and we must also have intensive production.
“Our economy must work 24/7. Otherwise, if our economy shuts down at 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening, we cannot compete with economies that are running 24/7.
“We want to reset our education. We want to measure the data that we are being given.
“We want to know how many out-of-school children we have and how we can get them. We also want to reset the security architecture in Nigeria.
“A few days ago, we all woke up to learn about the 37 young souls that were lost in Niger State. Is it their fault that they were born in Nigeria? Is it their fault that they were looking at means to eke out a living?
“The answer is no. People may not want to take responsibility, but from what has been done, the action that has been taken so far, we can see that we are focusing on the supply side of things.
“We need to focus on the demand side. Legitimise the operation. Right now, you have in our constitution, on the exclusive list, the issue of mining.
“Devolve that responsibility to the states and let there be oversight only at the federal level. They will do better.
“We want to reset our sociopolitical system, which is what I have just mentioned. What level of government should take decisions on issues that are affecting our people?”
The APM presidential candidate rallied Nigerians to ensure that they collect their PVCs, noting that they must show the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that the country is bigger than individuals, especially those who have refused to obey the Nigerian Constitution.
He promised to obey the constitution by transmitting power to the vice-president whenever he is on official leave, just as he noted that his campaign would be based on issues.
“Finally, I promise you that this campaign will be issue-based. And that is why it is concerning to us, and to me personally, that our president is on working leave.
“I have looked at the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and of course for me as a state governor, I also operate under that constitution.
“Anytime I have to travel out, not working, or on vacation, more than 21 days, I transmit power to the deputy governor. Why is this not happening at the national level?
“Section 145 of our constitution is clear on this matter. The president may be unable to function, either through sickness, medical trip, incapacitation.
“We are all human; anything can happen to anybody at any time. If that happens, he should transmit power to the vice-president.
“I promise you that as your president, I will follow the constitution to the letter. If I am not going to be available, if I am on vacation, I will transmit power to the vice-president. Record this and hold me accountable.”
Makinde added: “Please get your PVC and show APC that Nigeria is bigger than individuals — it is bigger than even systems that have held us down.
“So, together, let us embark on the ‘Reset Agenda’ so that we have a Nigeria that will work for everybody, irrespective of tribe, religion, or which corner of Nigeria you decide to stay in.
“So, on this note, expect me back. This is a town hall for the North-West. I am still coming back here in Katsina, to Kaduna, to Kano, to Kebbi, to Zamfara, and to Jigawa to campaign on a state-by-state basis,” he added.
The event was attended by the APM vice-presidential candidate, Alhaji Lawal Daura; and the National Chairman, Yusuff Mamman Dantale.
Also in attendance were members of the APM National Working Committee; APM candidates for various positions in the six states of the North-West geopolitical zone and other stakeholders.
