The Federal Government has proposed the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from their current locations in Abuja to Lagos. This move has raised concerns from Nigerians and some socio-cultural groups, including some northern leaders. KINGSLEY ALUMONA and YUSUF ABDULKADIR sampled the opinions of some Nigerians on this matter. Their views:
Suliam Kuraye
Lagos has the power of everything through the head of the country. Without any deep reasoning, everyone could understand the selfishness in this proposal. Why add more power to Lagos when the states need that same power to develop? Lagos has almost everything. However, this does not mean jobs for the whole nation, it is simply jobs for one part of the country. There is something fishy in this proposal.
Tasi’u Aminu
The intent of the president to relocate FAAN and some key departments in the CBN has been given different views and interpretations. If we cannot call two cities a Federal Capital Territory (FCT), we have to maintain one and shape it in such a way that it accommodates our desires. The relocation is groundless because it is not supported with convincing points. If the president makes the relocation, it is like unlocking a door for future presidents to come and make similar relocations to their cities of origin.
Ogonna Uche
If Nigerian leaders want development across board, some government departments and parastatals should be relocated to other states and regions, not only Abuja and Lagos. Northern elders or leaders are not truthful to themselves. Why are they objecting to the move? They should truly say why they do not want them relocated.
Raji Amao
It worries me as to why the relocation of FAAN and some departments of CBN to Lagos should raise concern from Northern leaders. I support the relocation move by the Federal Government because Lagos is a commercialised city more suitable for growing and economizing the GDP of Nigeria. FAAN is currently not making enough progress and contributing to the development of this country. If what the northern leaders say would be beneficial to all, they can say it without laced statements in connectivity with the receptiveness of one region for the other.
Okunlegbe John
We have seen the cracks in our national cohesion with this development. It is a case of regionalism and tribalism. When the FCT was moved from Lagos to Abuja, no southern or Yoruba leaders opposed it as we have today. Everyone saw it as a way of moving Nigeria forward, a positive dive towards ‘One Nigeria’. It is unfortunate today that only a parastatal has just been moved for cogent reasons, yet the North is viewing it from the binoculars of ‘them versus we’. The essence of events like this should be adherence to the federal character. It is sad that in a nation of a supposed one people, we have this level of ethnic supremacy.
Arowolo Adam
The Federal Government holds Nigerians an explanation for the relocation of FAAN and some departments of the CBN to Lagos. The northern leaders have the right to oppose the decision, just like other Nigerians, until the FG gives convincing reasons for their decision. Abuja remains the Federal Capital Territory. So, it needs to be developed. However, I hope the FG would be able to prove a point on this decision.
Johnathan Yamai
Every national decision should be made with good motives for the betterment of all Nigerans. The question is: What economic growth has the decision stopped or hindered that relocating these government parastatals would bring a boost? Until this question is answered northern leaders will continue to have doubt or fear whenever the idea of relocation is raised. Such fears may include a plot to empower Lagos and create employment opportunities in the state, a plan to make the north unattractive, and a fear of moving other parastatals away from the north thereby abandoning the northern security situation.
Kuruye Tekana
Relocation is not the best option. This decision by the Federal Government is borne out of greed. We should stop playing politics of ethnicity. Today, it is Tinubu and we want to support him. Tomorrow, Abubakar will come and return the same departments to Abuja. At whose cost?
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