‘On regional economic integration I stand’ - Bola Tinubu

[Defender]

At the yearly Ojude-Oba carnival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)   National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu enjoined people to support the regional economic integration championed by the Southwest governors as the first step towards the economic rejuvenation of the six states. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

In post-Awolowo era, Southwest geo-political zone faces new challenges of development, which impose a heavier burden on the five progressive governors on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).



How can the glory of the region reputed for scoring firsts in nearly many fields be restored? Can the Southwest bounce back as the leading regional economy and pacesetter for other zones? In what way can Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos States look inward and forge a common bond of economic unity? Can the comparative advantages of mutual enterprise be explored and maximised by the states? These are puzzles on the front burner for a region that is now seized by the fear of the future under Nigeria's lopsided federalism.

Reflecting on the backwardness of the Southwest, one of the brains behind the integration project, Dipo Famakinwa, gave reasons for thinking in this direction. He explained that, since revenue allocation would also be reduced to the sharing of spoils, Yoruba are in for an unfair deal. Also, he pointed out that the absence of Yoruba in the commanding height of the regulatory agencies is weakening its influence in some strategic sectors, including banking, finance and telecommunications.

Famakinwa, who shed light on the plausible implementation strategies in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, at the Economic Summit organised by the state government, also highlighted what he called "the attainment intentions". In his view, the goals of economic integration include collective infrastructural development, human capital development, employment generation, improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP), galvanising the private sector, cultural awakening, enhancement of living standard and good governance.

He identified the areas of comparative advantage, which has made leverage plausible. These he tagged strategic hubs of development. Famakinwa said Ekiti has comparative advantage in education, human capital development, agriculture and tourism. Lagos has advantages in commerce, industries and services. Ogun's strength lies in oil and gas, energy and industries. Similarly, Ondo has capacities in the areas of oil and gas, energy and agriculture, especially in cocoa. Osun's potentials include tourism, agriculture, especially cocoa and animal husbandry. Oyo, naturally has edge in agricultural processing, packaging, and small-scale processes.

Having repudiated the 'mainstream' option, a false and short-sighted approach canvassed by the conservative bloc in the region, the six governors seem to have taken the bull by the horns. The idea of regional economic integration is beautiful on paper. Now, to translate it into reality without further procrastination is another hurdle.

ACN national leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said the economic liberation, triumph and survival of the Southwest is a task that must be done. For the former Lagos State governor, it is heart-rendering that Yoruba, which was persecuted in the dark days of the military, is now being marginalised barely 12 years after the restoration of civil rule. He therefore, contends that there is much work to be done by the leaders of the region.

At the yearly Ojude Oba festival held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State in the week, Tinubu cautioned against reliance on the crumbs falling off the 'federal table'. He said the marginalisation and deprivation of the race, which is the outcome of the collaboration between the powerful centre and its agents in the zone, might  continue unabated. With the ACN leader at the ceremony were Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Chief Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun).

Tinubu stressed: "We have seen repeated debasement of our people. Criminal neglect of our developmental and educational needs by the center and sinister moves to demonise the few among us that have dared to challenge, not just the Federal Government, but also those from our ranks who have become willing tools for our marginalisation".

The ACN leader emphasised that the victory of the party in the 2011 elections marked another milestone in the region. He said the progressive camp, which drew inspiration from the ever green Action Group (AG) philosophy, owed no apology to the reactionary elements in this regard. What is important, he stressed, is the concerted efforts on the part of the change agents in the Southwest to transform the zone, tackle illiteracy, reduce graduate unemployment and improve the general living condition of the people.

However, not many people in the region are able to comprehend the elements of the economic integration proposal. After a year of mooting the idea, implementation machinery has not been rolled out. The six states are not operating on the same economic level. While Lagos, Ondo and to some extent, Ogun could boast meagre resources, Ekiti and Osun are among the poorest in Nigeria. Observers agree that how to share the cost and burden of the agenda before reaping the long-term fruits is a challenge.

Famakinwa stressed that the baseline for success is good governance and active cooperation among the governors. Since the integration agenda would require a pool of resources and sacrifice, only frugal, visionary, patriotic and determined administrators can cooperate to build a regional rail, encourage joint ventures and maximise the benefits of comparative advantage in an atmosphere of cooperation.

Tinubu  is of the opinion that the push for economic integration in the Southwest would return the region to the Awo era. He said self-reliant programmes would turn the zone, once again, into a model of good governance. The ACN leader said it may also be the panacea for the debilitating and suffocating effects Nigeria's failed federalism.

"Nigeria's current problems are largely traceable to adulterated federalism, in which enormous power and resources are vested in the federal government to the detriment of the other units. We must come to the grips with the new political realities Nigeria today. There are times that require a different kind of courage and new strategies and alliances driven by the justness of our cause and conviction of our beliefs", he said.

Tinubu stressed that no political advantage or concession is won by trooping to Abuja to beg for favours, adding that Southwest should be weary of those who trade the collective political integrity of Yoruba for contract patronage and juicy political appointments.

He urged the traditional rulers with progressive orientation and intention, including the Awujale of Ijebuland, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Alaafin of Oyo and Eleko of Lagos to support the course being charted for the race.

ACN, he said, offers  the alternative transformational ideology to develop the Southwest, assuring that the multiplier effects would spread to many parts of the country. He said no stone would be left unturned, until the goal is achieved.

His words: "This Southwest renaissance to which I am fully committed is anchored on the new move towards regional integration. This is an integration that will hopefully spurn the wheels of development and regional cooperation among all governors of the Yoruba states.

"In this task, we are ready to gather all progressives willing to engage all shades of opinion and determined to chart a new course economically and politically for the Southwest. We bear no grudges. we hold no hostages and we seek no kingdom. The only thing we seek is a new Yoruba nation and a return to the ideals that made us a proud and intelligent people".

The Nation