The Anglican Diocese of Calabar on Monday pointed out that the practice of true federalism in Nigeria is the only panacea to Nigeria’s multifaceted problems.
Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye, who stated this at a press briefing to mark the 2nd session of 9th Synod of the Diocese in Calabar, averred that states should be given more powers to manage some pressing local affairs, while the Federal Government should maintain its roles on national security and diplomatic matters.
According to him, “It is my considered opinion that the main solution to all the socio-political and economic problems in this country is still true Federalism.
“This system allows for division of power between two or more levels of governments with equal status.
“This means that states should be given autonomous authority to manage some local concerns affecting themselves; such as police, schools, hospitals, road maintenance, mineral resources, a level of the judiciary etc.
“Under this arrangement, the Federal Government will be expected to manage other affairs such as the army, diplomatic/consular issues, citizenship, railways, airways, certain aspects of banking policy and the judiciary.”
While reflecting on Nigeria’s fight against corruption, Adeleye frowned at the recent invasion of the residences of some judges by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, over corruption allegations.
He was quick to express support for the fight against corruption, but says he does not like the modus operandi adopted by the security outfit in its attempt to arrest the suspects.
In the cleric’s words, “Some judges were arrested in the country by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), recently. This is commendable as a way of fighting corruption even in the judiciary.
“But, ladies and gentlemen, the method is condemnable, barbaric, inhuman, bestial and primitive.
“Our major problem in this country is the ability to follow due process and rule of law. Do we need to attack someone’s house in the night because we need to capture someone in the name of arrest?”
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