Restructuring: Actions of the NASS disappointing, APC Chief

———-By Akpos Oghenetega———-

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, in Delta State, Chief Felix Anirah has described as highly disappointing the failure of the National Assembly to support the call for devolution of powers to the state and restructuring of the country.

The APC chief stated that the leadership of the national assembly didn’t see urgency in the cry of Nigerians for restructuring which would brought lasting peace  and true federalism  to the country.

Anirah added that if NASS has supported devolution of power to the federating units, “the issue of resource control would have been laid to rest by that singular act.”

He equally berated the national assembly voting against gender equality bill, noting that  it’s is so sad that in the 21^st century Nigeria that national leaders are extremely biased against women.

He stated further that considering contributions of women during elections and to national development, “I think that 35% affirmation is even too low since they constitute over 60% of the voting population.

“When the National Assembly resumes from their break, Nigeria women should mobilise to the National Assembly ensure that the bill is revisited and passed, or in the alternative they should occupy the National Assembly as the youths did in the quest to pass Not Too Young to Run Bill.”

He however, commended the national assembly for the passage of the local government autonomy bill, saying that it’s a welcome development.

“We are calling of the 36 state governors to give the needed cooperation to ensure that the state Houses of Assembly do the needful by passing the bill, so that meaningful development will be experienced at the local government which is closest to the people.

“We also use this medium to call on the national leadership of National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) and state executive to mobilise their members at the state to mount pressure on the state Assembly to ensure that the bill is passed. The nation is pleading on behalf of NULGE to the almighty governors to please let our people go (the Local Government).

On the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, the APC chieftain has this to say, “The SIEC have failed woefully over the years considering the pattern of results churned out by the bodies, is ether total PDP, APC or APGA, so, scrapping them by the National Assembly is a cheering news to Nigerians.”

Chief Anirah also condemned the Ozubulu Catholic Church massacre, describing it as a very sad development in our national life, “we condemn this mindless killing in its entirety, and we want plead that people should stop destroying innocent soul for whatsoever reasons, because God is watching our actions.

On what have happening in the Felix Anirah Foundation; he stated that the foundation has been silently handling of some in events in the past three months, particularly, in the sporting activities.

According to him, “We hosted the Delta Federation Cup final both male and female at the Sapele stadium.  Recently we sponsored a bone surgical operation for a 12 years old indigent pupil, Princess Nasiru at the Central Hospital Sapele, which cost the foundation about #225,000.

“We want to use this medium to commend the Management Central Hospital Sapele, and particularly the Surgeon, Dr. James Egwuterai for giving the Foundation needed support.

“The Foundation, weekend also promised to sponsor the second edition of the Sapele Athletic Club Football Championship, which is played by cooperate organizations, religious bodies and football clubs in Sapele. The first edition saw Sapele All-stars football club Sapele defeating Winners Football Club with three un-replied goals at the final played on Sunday, at the Sapele Athletic Club.”