Presidency too attractive, Atiku laments

Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, wants the federal government to take “necessary steps” to make the centre less attractive to politicians.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti while inaugurating the Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe General Hospital built by outgoing governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi to commemorate his fourth year in office, Atiku suggested that the federal government could reduce the rush for power at the centre by devolving some of its “enormous” powers.

He advised the federal government to limit itself to issues relating to defence and foreign affairs, among a few other responsibilities.

He said other sectors including health, education and agriculture should be left for the state governments to manage, and argued for the ceding of more resources and funds to the states, saying it would make them more functional.

“The federal government, as it is constituted presently, is too powerful; some of the responsibilities it supervises can be better handled by the states,” he said.

“For instance, what is the federal government’s business in agriculture when it does not even own any piece of land of its own? Why is the federal government still involved in health matters when most of the health responsibilities are undertaken by the states?”

Atiku said that if the federal government would be courageous to hands off some the powers currently under its control, it would be less attractive to politicians.

The former vice president commended the foresight of Governor Fayemi in building the hospital, saying it showed his concern for the welfare of Ekiti people.

Earlier in an address of welcome, Fayemi said his administration built the hospital in fulfillment of his electioneering campaign promises.

He said the need for a new Oba Adejugbe general hospital arose because the former general hospital was converted to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).