Ekiti ex-commissioner asks for review of fiscal federalism

A former Commissioner of Education in Ekiti State, Dr. Eniola
Ajayi, has called for a review of fiscal federalism because of declining allocation from the Federal Government.

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, she said the review of fiscal federalism became necessary because states were having difficulties paying salaries and meeting other commitments.

Ajayi, who served under Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is now the All Progressives Congress’ House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 in Ekiti State comprising Ado-Ekiti and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Areas.

She expressed confidence in winning the election despite sharing the same federal constituency with Governor Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party saying “the power of the people is greater than the power in government.”

Ajayi said the mood among the electorate right now favours the APC as a party that had better manifesto and programmes for the electorate than the PDP.

The former Commissioner for Environment in Ekiti State also pledged to champion the review of the nation’s strategies for job creation and employment in a bid to reduce the security threat posed by a large army of unemployed youths.

She said, “One key thing that I learnt in the period of my soul search over the years as to why Nigeria is where it is today is that we do not rightly value and appreciate our countrymen.

“It is like, being a Nigerian does not count for anything. We don’t seem to consider our fellow citizens in our individual or collective decisions or actions as a people.

“I would like to see what I call the citizens charter, where the interests and the rights of the weakest in our links are protected.

“The life of every Nigerian, young or old, man or woman, strong or weak, in the North or South should count for something. I want us to be true citizens of Nigeria. Every life is important and crucial to the well being of Nigeria.”