State governors on the platform of the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC), has asked the National Assembly not to touch the aspect of the local government administration in the ongoing constitution review.
They agreed that any action taken on autonomy of the councils will suggest that the country was inching towards a unitary state.
The APC governors expressed their position at their maiden meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital on Wednesday.
Present at the meeting were Governors Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).
Others are Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo State, represented by his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere).
Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State could not attend following his trip to the lesser Hajj.
Fayemi who read the communiqué, said his colleagues “resolved that the issue of local government administration is a matter within the purview of the federating units”.
According to them, any attempt by the National Assembly to legislate on any aspect of the local council administration will “undermine and weaken the fundamental principles of the Nigerian federalism.”
The Ekiti helmsman said that they also deliberated on revenue allocation, lamenting that despite recommendations made to the Presidency, no reaction yet on request for more funds to states and local governments.
He disclosed that the governors extensively discussed other areas of the constitutional amendment and issues affecting the masses.
The APC governors also spoke on the recent registration of the party, describing it as a “blessing and the most convenient way of removing PDP in 2015.”
They lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission for its courage, stressing that the development has entrenched a virile democracy in the country.
The communique added that strategies to compliment efforts of the interim national executive of APC were discussed. It urged Nigerians to continue to support the party.
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