YCE advocates fiscal federalism

To take Nigeria out of recession, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) also known as Igbimo Agba Yoruba, has suggested adoption of fiscal federalism which will allow federating units generate resources in their domains.
In a communiqué endorsed by its Secretary General, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN)  after deliberation in Ibadan, presided over by the President General, General Adeyinka Adebayo (retd), the group raised concern about the economy which, its said has not responded positively to efforts of the Federal Government’s economic  team.
The YCE said “fiscal federalism, which will allow federating units generate resources in their domains, paying taxes and royalty to the Federal Government will promote economic growth and take the country out of recession.’’
On various threats to security in the country including, “kidnapping, armed robbery and militancy in the South-South region, which, to the council are manifestations of a dysfunctional,” the group urged “government to commence, as a matter of urgency, constitutional amendments to decentralise the Police, and security agencies, and also, corresponding review of the federal revenue allocation formula to empower federating units (states) fulfil their obligations.”
YCE commended the federal government on the progress made by securing peace in the North-East, which has been under severe attack by Boko Haram, and congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on the return of some kidnapped Chibok girls and further encouraged him “to intensify action on the release of the remaining girls and full restoration of peace in the North-East.”
The council also congratulated all South-West governors on the outcome of their meeting, held in Ibadan, recently and said it was particularly “impressed with their determination to collaborate, within the ambit of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) for economic activities for the progress of the zone,” and tasked them to pay special attention to agricultural and interstate commerce.
The YCE added that it is happy that the governors have chosen to come together in spite of political divisions and in the interest of the people of the South-West, as well as encouraging them to meet regularly and work as one unit for the people of the zone.