Niger Delta ethnic nationalities seek devolution of power

A group, the Ethnic Nationalities of the Nigerian Delta region, has called for the devolution of power to reflect the global best practice of true federalism.

This was stated in a communique issued after a meeting of the conference of president-generals of the ethnic nationalities held at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

The communique was issued by Benjamin Okaba, the chairman, and Chris Akanni, the assistant secretary of the group, on Friday.

The forum noted that the devolution of power had become very imperative in view of the present political structure or arrangement in the country, which they described as untenable, unsustainable and faulty.

“Considering the present political structure and lingering socio-political crises in the country, there is the urgent need for the devolution of power and restructuring. The restructuring should be laid on a foundation of justice, devolution of power and resource control among the component units of the Federation through fiscal discipline,” the group said.

It also noted that restructuring should be done in an environment devoid of endemic corruption.

The group added, “Aside from mass poverty, which has subjected millions of Nigerians to extreme misery and disillusionment, huge and mind-blowing corruption, insecurity and wastages in public service have become cardinal concerns of the citizenry.

“We therefore harmonised the positions taken by the South South/Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), and the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought.”