Southwest governors yesterday reiterated their commitment to the integration of the region. It was at the presentation of the strategic roadmap "Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN)" by the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) to the governors in Lagos.
Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) resolved to implement the agenda as part of efforts to chart a new course of development for the geo-political zone.
Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by his Environment Commissioner Mr Sola Ebiseeni, said the state government had embraced the blue-print. He urged the ARG to include more historical facts about Yoruba, particularly Ondo State, if there is an opportunity for a review of the compendium.
Lagos lawyer Femi Falana, who praised ARG for a job well done, cautioned against making the implementation of the road map an all-comers' affair.
He advised stakeholders never to forget the ideological dimension and foundation that could sustain the implementation.
He said a line of demarcation is required between the enemies of the Southwest who retarded its progress during the military era and under the Obasanjo administration, and those who had worked tirelessly for the progress of the region.
Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who praised the ARG's initiative, asked stakeholders to move from rhetoric to action by implementing the agenda. He also reiterated his call for true fiscal federalism, stressing that the current unitary federalism is counter-productive.
The Nation
This is really a nice move if implemented and not turned to political jamboree. We always have big and giants plans but execution has been the problems. Even, if executed to some extent, continuity problem will set in.... Good bless Nigeria!