Rochas calls for devolution of powers to States and LGA’s

The Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorcha has called for a systematic devolution of power in Nigeria where the enormous power at the centre is decentralized to the States and Local Government Areas to create room for sustainable economic development at the grassroots.

Owelle Okorocha stated this while addressing the Board members of the Nigeria Media Merit Award and some Media executives who called on him at the Government House Owerri at the weekend.

Governor Okorocha maintained that devolution of power is the solution to the apparent poverty in Nigeria, adding that the country’s political authority is highly concentrated on an individual who solely determines the survival or death of millions of Nigerians. “There is no way for Nigeria unless power is divulged and resources controlled by a joint Development Board made of the three tiers of Government”, he noted.

He further regretted that the over centralization of power has made it difficult for serious development programmes to exist in the local Government and rural communities. A situation where Government at the centre takes 55% of the revenue allocation, leaving 45% for the state and local Government, he said, makes it impossible for the people at the grassroots to witness meaningful impact of Government.

The Governor enjoined Nigerians to join hands in the call to urge the federal Government to borrow his idea of community Government Council (CGC), where autonomous communities are given the opportunity to take part in the day to day running of their affairs.

On his vision of aspiring for the presidential seat, Governor Okorocha said he is propelled by the need to completely transform the ailing economic structure of the country as well as his desire to return power to the people. “It is not time for me to be President; but there is need for me to be President”, he concluded.

 Responding on behalf of the group, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Media Merit Award, Mrs. Bukky Ajayi, said the interaction has afforded them an insight into Governor Okorocha’s vision for Nigeria; but expressed worries if the ordinary people will be given the opportunity to contribute in the process of implementing such vision to their benefit.

Mr. Dele Adetemi, another member of the Board described Governor Okorocha’s vision as thought provoking and one that can be realized with the practical involvement of the ordinary Nigerian especially as it concerns their wellbeing and better living standard for all which is the essence of good leadership.