Northern senators have rejected the planned relocation of some federal agencies from Abuja to Lagos just as they alleged lopsidedness in the distribution and allocation of resources in the 2024 budget against the North.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), had also expressed the same position as the Northern senators.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had in an internal memo last week announced plans to transfer some of its departments to Lagos State, citing congestion at the headquarters in Abuja. In the same vein, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, have also ordered the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters from Abuja to Lagos.
Ssenators from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, operating under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum, kicked against the relocation moves and urged their constituents to remain patient, saying they would engage the executive in peaceful negotiations and deploy legal measures where necessary to address the issue.
According toa statement by their Spokesperson, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, the Northern Senators Forum said: “As representatives of the people at the national level (Senate), we are committed to addressing the concerns and feelings of our constituents regarding certain decisions and policies put forth by the federal government – lopsidedness in the distribution and allocation of resources in the 2024 budget, relocation of some federal agencies from Abuja to Lagos.
“We understand the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the government and its citizens, and it is in this spirit that we are announcing our collective efforts to seek an amicable resolution to these pressing issues, within the confines of our constitution and existing laws.
“Let us assure our constituents that we have taken their concerns seriously and are actively engaging with our colleagues in order to address these matters effectively. We firmly believe in the power of open dialogue and collaboration to bring about positive change for our nation.
“Throughout our term in office, our primary objective has been to advocate for the well-being and best interests of those we represent. We recognize the significance of our role as a bridge between the people and their government, and it is with great responsibility and dedication that we undertake this task.
“We acknowledge that our constituents have shown great patience and trust in our abilities thus far. It is now our turn to ask for their continued support and understanding during this critical juncture. Together, we can work towards resolving the issues at hand and restoring faith in our democratic processes.
“We urge our constituents to remain patient as we diligently explore avenues for dialogues, engage in peaceful negotiations, and deploy legal measures where necessary. Rest assured, our actions align with the constitutional framework and the laws of the land, as we endeavor to uphold justice and fairness.
“It is our belief that through effective communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision, we can forge a path that leads to positive change. We will engage the executive branch of the government and the leadership of the Senate and the relevant stakeholders to actively listen to the concerns of Nigerians and provide updates on our progress. We encourage everyone to participate in these channels of communication, ensuring that their voices are heard and their perspectives valued.
“In conclusion, we, as representatives of the people, are fully committed to resolving the pressing issues at hand. We ask for your continued support, trust, and patience as we work towards delivering positive outcomes for our constituents and upholding the values enshrined in our Constitution.”
Meanwhile, National Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba soci-political group, Afenifere, Mr Jare Ajayi, said it is on record that some departments of the agencies were originally in Lagos adding that they do not see anything wrong with the planned relocation if it will enhance the agencies’ performance.
Ajayi said in a statement: “It is on record that some of those departments of the CBN and FAAN were originally in Lagos. We even understand that the structure for some of those departments were constructed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is not as if this administration is starting something new.
“In many countries, there are some government agencies that are spread to various parts of the country. In this particular case, we don’t see anything wrong with it. Each of these departments is manned by officers from various parts of this country.
“What should be uppermost in the minds of all Nigerians is performance. As an organisation, we do not encourage nepotism and we do not say that projects should be concentrated in a particular area.”
Also reacting, South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said: “There is nothing wrong with relocating some departments of the CBN to Lagos. Who did they consult when they moved the Navy to Kano, when they brought the Shippers House and the Nigeria Maritime Authority, NMA, to Abuja before former President Olusegun Obasanjo moved them to Lagos?
“Northerners should realise that Abuja does not belong to them, it belongs to everyone, hence they are fighting Nyesom Wike because they believe that FCT belongs only to them, they are 19 states, others are 17, the place is for all of us.
“Let us stay in peace, the Northern senators and Northerners should not provoke anyone. Abuja belongs to all and that explains why we said that the head offices of Shell, Chevron, Agip, others should be where the oil is coming from, like in Delta, Eket, others.”