‘Devolution of Power will bring about fiscal federalism, give States more responsibilities’ – Senate Spokesperson

The National Assembly is working assiduously on devolution of powers at the center to ensure fiscal federalism.

Senate Spokesperson, Ajibola Basiru gave the hint on Monday during a media chart with journalists in Osogbo, Osun State.

He said several items have been moved from the exclusive to concurrent list to ensure that powers are longer concentrated at the center.

Basiru who is representing Osun Central senatorial district at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly noted that when the bill is passed, it would give more responsibilities to the States and bring about fiscal federalism.

“Although, it is not yet finally adopted but I can tell you that several items have been moved from exclusive to concurrent list for instance, airport, bankruptcy and insolvency, transportation, Correctional services, geological survey, business incorporation, insurance and so on. By the time we have final draft, it will be a good signal to ensure that States have more responsibility and this will also impact in terms of fiscal federalism” he said.

On the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2021, the Senate Spokesperson said it was already at committee stage and would scale through in a matter of weeks.

“The bill is already at committee stage and I can say publicly that I m in support of the passage of the bill because it will help us to mop up small arms and all other unsavory equipment that are militating against security in the country. I believe that in a matter of weeks the bill should be able to see the light of the day” he said.

On the intraparty crisis within the APC in Osun State, when asked about where he belongs, Senator Bashiru said, “I m with my party, the all progressives Congress, the party that gave me the mandate to represent it at the general election and I m also with the people of Osun Central, the people of Osun central have elected me to represent them both in the national assembly and politically.

“From my own analysis and development of politics in Osun here today, I believe our people and my people in Osun central will benefit immensely from continuous governance of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

“On the issue of primary, you see political parties have system and that’s why nobody is saying that you are going to be there for eight year, you will have 4years and represent yourself for reelection and part of presentation for reelection is that there will be a primary. The law even envisages that people will challenge the incumbent if they have the capability to do so.

“So if there are anybody, or group that want to challenge Governor Oyetola, they should come to the primary and challenge the the government but as for me I don’t hide my preference. My preference is for governor Oyetola to secure mandate of our party in the February 19 primary election and ultimately to work assiduously and ensure his success in the July 16 2022 governorship election. And we are ready that he succeed in a free and fair contest at the election.