LACK of consistency by the federal government towards its constitutional responsibilities forms the basis for demand by state governors for a review of the country's revenue allocation formula, says Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abdul'aziz Yari Abubakar.
Fielding questions from reporters at the weekend, shortly after an official visit to Gusau Prison, in Gusau, the state capital, Abubakar said the central government has failed to adequately finance some its major sectors.
He said the situation has forced state governors to take over federal responsibilities, despite shortage of resources.
The governor cited the agricultural sector as one of the major responsibilities of the federal government.
He said: "Most of these things belong to the federal government and they are supposed to be carried out accordingly. But the reverse is the case. If you go to any state, you will see governors taking part in issues related to prisons, the Police, military, SSS, Civil Defence, even issues relating to federal roads; every sector of the federal government.
"What the federal government is doing is far less than what we are doing in our states because we are closer to the electorate."
The governor insisted that, the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission should, as matters of urgency, commence necessary preparations in order to come up with a reasonable and acceptable formula that will be fair to states, in view of the many responsibilities they carry out.
The Guardian