By Chukwuma Umeorah
Elder statesman and former commissioner, Femi Okunnu, has said President Bola Tinubu has the prerogative to relocate any ministry, department, or agency of government to any state across the country, as long as it aligns with the realisation of his administration’s set policies and objectives.
His comments come in light of the planned relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria from Abuja, the nation’s federal capital, to Lagos.
Speaking on the Arise Television Morning Show, yesterday, Okunnu said despite various groups opposing the planned relocation, the government has the right to pursue its policies in the way it deems most effective. He said: “I do not think we need to read anything political or otherwise into this arrangement. I think President Tinubu and his government should be left to decide what it wants for the good of the country.”
Responding to speculation that the decision may have been motivated by the demands of some powerful Lagosians for Lagos to be given a special status, he said: “Lagos does not need any special status. I disagree with those people. When Lagos ceased to be the federal capital, it lost its special status. Even that has its historical meaning.
The special status at that time, before the move to Abuja, was because diplomatic missions were exempted from paying rates, which ordinary persons and companies paid at that time. That was basically what gave rights for special votes for Lagos. But that ceased to apply when the federal capital was moved to Abuja.”
He urged Nigerians to live in unity and believe in one Nigeria, doing away with the idea of states and regional sentiments. He advised that the government and all citizens should be more concerned about serious challenges such as the insecurity ravaging the country and how to arrive at a lasting solution.
He said: “It is very sad that any Nigerian should be subjected to insecurity. We should all be focusing on progress in economic development, not insecurity. Every part of the country should be well protected. I hope the president gets the best advice within the services and also among retired service chiefs who may have effective suggestions for tackling this issue.”