ACN Govs Demand Fiscal Federalism

Amid ongoing crisis triggered by the hike in fuel price, governors elected on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have renewed the call for fiscal federalism that would avail more money to states from the Federation Aaccount.

Arising from an emergency meeting in Lagos, the governors said in a communiqué that they were more concerned about the totality of the nation’s economy, rather than the issue of subsidy removal.

“In our view, the debate on the fuel subsidy is a narrow one. Subsidy is a financial and economic tool, not an end in itself. We are more concerned about the totality of the economy. For this reason, it is imperative to immediately implement the long-standing demand for fiscal federalism. The first step in this direction is the immediate review of the lopsided revenue allocation formula”, they stated.

The governors said they were committed to the welfare and security of the people of their respective states despite the plummeting global economy.

Urging organized Labour to eschew violence in the protests to denounce the subsidy removal, the state governors said they aligned with the position of the Action Congress of Nigeria on the removal of subsidy.

ACN had in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Lai Mohammed, condemned the hasty removal of subsidy on fuel which it feared would further hurt the masses.

The ACN governors who attended the meeting include, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Lagos, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Osun and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) were unavoidably absent.