Sanwo-Olu: We need true federating states — there’re many anomalies in our country

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, says there is a need to have true federating states in the country.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Monday during a national constitutional dialogue in honour of the late Ben Nwabueze, pioneer secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The dialogue took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

Nwabueze died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 92 in Anambra state.

The dialogue, “Lawful procedures for actualising a people’s constitution for Nigeria”, was organised by The Patriots, a pan-Nigerian group of eminent national leaders of thoughts.

The event was attended by many political stakeholders, including Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere; Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN); Olabode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and some former governors.

Speakers dwelt on the anomalies in the 1999 constitution (as amended) and the need for a new constitution.

Sanwo-Olu said it is an “anomaly” for a federal agency to control the water body at the Ozumba Mbadiwe axis of Victoria Island in the state.

The Lagos governor said the national assembly can create an avenue for Nigerians to come together to amend the constitution.

“How well do we see the anomalies that we have in our country? Why would we have a federal agency come to control the water in front of Ozumba Mbadiwe?” the Lagos governor asked.

“Why would we have a federal agency 1000 kilometres away to come and see the needs of my people right on Ozumba Mbadiwe?

“These are some of the things that we need to tell all and say, indeed we need to have true federating states.”

He also lamented how some former state officials moved to the federal level to start fighting against decentralisation of power.