Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has called for a review of the existing federal structure that concentrates power and the nation’s commonwealth at the centre.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 220-bed Asaba Specialist Hospital, Tuesday, Fintiri commended Governor Okowa for demonstrating great leadership traits which had culminated to numerous projects being inaugurated across the state.
“I have seen a transformed Asaba which also rekindles my heart for the country and gives me a more compelling reason to pray for more concessions of responsibilities and resources to the sub-national units of our federation.
“At this time that our nation is at a crossroads, we need to rethink our federalism.
“No doubt, we have concerns and agitations, but none is insurmountable if only we can have the right leadership with the courage to tinker the structural federalism to do just a little at devolving more power to the states.
“I am convinced that the centre is holding on to so many responsibilities that can best be handled by the states.
“What I am saying in essence is that there is a need for constitutional review to devolve more powers and resources to the states.
“When we move the powers, let us also move away the resources that the federal government controls back to the states, so that we can see real development in place.
“The projects I have seen in Delta, which include this Specialist Hospital being inaugurated today, are clear testimony that with more devolution of responsibilities and resources to states, so much can be done.
“Concerns can be addressed, nerves can be calmed and a great country that works for everyone will be possible and the economy will strive better,” he stated.
National Health Act
In his remarks, Delta State Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, called on the federal government to fully operationalise the National Health Act to curb the high rate of maternal and neonatal mortality in the country.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for operationalising the National Health Act, but remarked that it was being implemented in part contrary to the Act as passed by the National Assembly.
According to him, when fully operationalised, half of the funds would be utilised in providing free treatment to the vulnerable group thereby reducing the prevailing high maternal and neonatal mortality rate which he said had become an embarrassment to the country.
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