The Lagos West Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has called for true fiscal federalism while also lamenting the spate of insecurity in Nigeria.
The diocese made the call in a communique jointly signed by the Clerical Synod Secretary, Kayode Oredugba, Lay Synod Secretary, TejuAkindolire, and Olusola Odedeji, president of Synod and Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, at the end of the 1st session of its 8th Synod with the theme ‘More than conqueror’.
The Synod therefore, urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently reverse the current economic structure in Nigeria whereby the Federal Government takes most of the revenues while sharing the rest with other federating units.
According to the diocese, the sharing formula has reduced the states and the local government areas to a beggarly position.
While noting that every region in Nigeria is blessed with natural resources, the Synod called for “true fiscal federalism in Nigeria” where the federating units are encouraged to exploit resources within their respective units.
The Synod equally warned that the current high cost of living has social consequences on the populace.
“Prices of goods and services are galloping daily, making life unbearable for most of the citizenry.
“Continuation of such unacceptable situation may have grave and irreversible social consequences,” the Synod said.
The Synod of the Diocese of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria also want the country to abolish bogus legislative system. In calling for the abolition of the extravagant bicameral legislative system at the Federal level, it made a case for an equitable reward system for elected government officials.
The Synod equally commend the efforts of the state governor at tackling the menace of the Covid-19 pandemic in Lagos.
“The Synod notes with commendation that despite the devastating effect of Covid-19 and the #EndSARS protest, through the grace of God together with the dogged and visionary drive of the governor, the state has continued to witness more developmental projects and infrastructure, especially in transportation.”
While expressing grave concern on the spate of insecurity, the Church council lent its weight to the increased call for a ban on open grazing of cattle in Nigeria.
It commended the initiative behind regional security outfits in the country while also calling for the amendment of the constitution to allow for the establishment of State Police forces.
It also urged the state governors to be proactive and use their security votes to serve and protect the people.
