Devolution of powers: APGA chieftain berates NASS over rejection

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Dr David Onuoha-Bourdex, has expressed disappointment with the National Assembly for failing to reflect the wishes of the masses that elected them.

A statement by Amara Umunna, Personal Assistant to Onuoha-Bourdex on Tuesday, said the he made his feelings known shortly after his return from the U.S. on Monday.

The statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said Onuoha-Bourdex expressed regrets that the National Assembly could reject devolution of powers in the ongoing constitution amendment.

The statement quoted Onuoah-Bourdex, who contested Abia North Senatorial seat in 2015. as saying that the change the masses desired would come in 2019 when a new crop of lawmakers would be elected.

“The ongoing effort at amending the constitution presented a golden opportunity for our federal lawmakers to show that they represent the interest of Nigerians, they voted with their hearts instead of their heads.

“For goodness sake, how could senators reject the devolution of power to the states?

“Does it mean they do not see the imperfections in the current federal structure, which massed a lot of issues, most of which should belong to the residual list on the federal government?

“ In that singular mistake, the senators disappointed Nigerians big time.”

The statement quoted Onuoha-Bourdex as saying that power generation, exploitation of mineral deposits and road construction were some of the areas where the states should have greater comparative advantage.

Onuoha-Bourdex, the statement said, regretted that state governments had stifled development in the grass roots by strangulating the local government councils.

The statement said that the member of APGA Board of Trustees, recalled that in the past, local councils were in the forefront in the provision of social amenities and economic opportunities through creation of markets.

On the recent governorship primary elections in Anambra , the statement quoted Onuoha-Bourdex as saying that Nigerians had served notice of their intention to reject most of the senators for their indifference.

“How can two senators take part in governorship primary elections and none of them could make it on their respective parties?

“ It shows they are not at home with their constituents. Otherwise they should have known how the minds of the people are working.

“Most senators must have voted in the constitution amendment bill without consulting their constituents,’’ the statement quoted him as saying.

The statement said, however, that Onuoha-Bourdex commended the National Assembly for preserving the independence of the legislature, adding that state legislatures should replicate such for the cause of good governance.