Oyegun: APC not against true federalism

John Odigie-Oyegun, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the party was not opposed to true federalism as perceived in some quarters across the country.

He stated this on Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating a 24-member committee on True Federalism to articulate the party´s position on the restructuring of the country as agitations in that regard increased.

According to Odigie-Oyegun, it is only the APC that can claim ownership to the principle and the need for true federalism in the country.

“When we sat down to discuss the union of the APC, it was one of the principal issues that were almost like a no-go-item that we negotiated and agreed.

“And as such, the constitution and the manifestos of the party are very elaborate in their references to true federalism and devolution of power.

“It is therefore totally inconceivable for uninformed members of the public to jump on this bandwagon of reconstituting the federation,” he said.

He added that such members of the public gave the impression that the APC was “in any way against the principle of taking a fresh look at the basis of our federalism”.

Odigie-Oyegun insisted that true federalism was already a mantra to the APC, and must be looked into without jeopardising the fundamental unity of the country.

He tasked members of the committee to have a critical look at issues of devolution of power, fiscal federalism, resource control and others thrown up following recent clamour for restructuring of the country.

He, however, stressed that APC’s constitution and manifesto vigorously canvassed the issues, adding that they were elaborately provided for.

The chairman said that the party´s position on the issues had been eloquently stated in the terms of references of the committee.

“It is your duty, especially having regard to the emotive nature of the national discourse on restructuring, to distill from our party constitution and manifesto the various ideas canvassed in different constitutional conferences.

“I expect you to look at whatever document available on this subject and to look at whatever views and recommendations available on it.

“I also expect, at all times, that your anchor will be the constitution and manifesto of the party, because it is on that manifesto that we went to the public of this nation.

“I ask you to generate a report which will truly reflect the desire of our people and a true reflection of what our party stands for,” he said.

He added that it was critical to ensure that the party met the desires of Nigerians on their idea of true federalism.