Guardian We need to return to fiscal federalism, says Ochei WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE 2013 00:00 VICTOR O. OCHEI FEATURES - POLICY & POLITICS Being opening remarks by the Speaker of Delta State House Of Assembly, Mr. Victor O. Ochei, at a symposium to mark the 2nd anniversary of the 5th Assembly on June 14, 2013 at the Event Centre, Asaba. THE idea of a lecture, as part of our anniversary celebration, is informed, in part, by our desire to bring important issues challenging us as a nation to the front burner for intellectual discourse and also seek solution to them. This is hinged on our hope that such discourse will collectively form part of the compass through which we can navigate our way through in our journey to self-discovery in this stage of our national development. So important are the issues for discourse today that we are fortunate to have in our midst the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who will give the keynote address. The topic of our first interaction, which is Fiscal Federalism in Nigeria: The Need for Constitutional Review, is highly germane. The idea of fiscal federalism suggests that each tier of government is allowed to pursue its financial policy initiative, as this, if perceived, would ensure rapid development of our country. Indeed, decentralisation has become a feature of reform agenda promoted and supported by the World Bank and other multinational institutions. For us in Nigeria, given the historical commitment to federalism as the basis for coexistence and unity, fiscal federalism has long been the subject of several committees, commissions since the fusion of Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914. The issue remains in the front burner today, still evoking a great deal of passion and virulent contestation. However, I do not think such hair-letting is necessary, for going by what existed pre-independence, it might ensure positive competition and development. Therefore, it might not be out of place if we lend our voices to those already clamouring for a return to pre-independence era, when the regions controlled their economies and thus ensured healthy rivalries among them or to continue on this path. On this very topical, and necessary discourse, we have no doubt that the distinguished Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, will navigate us through. In the second lecture, our effort here must be seen in the true light of what it is; simply a collaboration with the executive in finding answers to the problem of underdevelopment, occasioned by paucity of funds, over reliance on a diminishing commodity such as oil and even more odious, the operation of what many call ‘Abuja handout’ (in apparent reference to the tradition of states trooping to Abuja for the monthly sharing by the Federal Accounts Commission). In order not to be caught hamstrung in this mono ‘economic web’, the State Government, ably led by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, had, as part of both futuristic and immediate plans, developed an economic strategy known as ‘Delta Beyond Oil’. It is an economic blueprint developed by His Excellency aimed at extricating the state from overtly relying on revenue from a diminishing mono product, as is presently the case. The point being made here is that many countries abound in the world, though not blessed with oil, but have witnessed phenomenal growth by developing the real sectors of their economies; hence, the need to diversify the economy. It is in line with the thinking of the state that we decided as a House, to contribute to the ongoing discourse on diversifying the state economy that we choose to discuss, Delta Beyond Oil: Taxation as a Catalyst for Socio-Economic Development of Delta State — a lecture to be delivered by the National President of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria, Mr. Doyin Owolabi. Many have argued that one way of doing this is through proper taxation. While it is true that the fortunes of the state might have greatly improved due to the gradual but, indeed, steady increase in the internally generated revenue (IGR), due principally to taxation; great as this effort may be, one thinks we are not yet fully where we ought to be. Efforts must be intensified to minimise lapses, as humanly possible, while individuals and organisations, who under-declare their yearly profits by doctoring the books or who are in active connivance with tax officials to evade payment of tax, ought to be punished. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I do know we are in good hands today, but I must pay obeisance to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, who, in spite of avalanche of pressing state duties, has found time to be with us. How do I thank our amiable Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the ever-ebullient Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha? I am deeply grateful, knowing your very busy schedules, yet finding time to be with us today. We are equally grateful, knowing your desire to facilitate an amendment to our Constitution if the people so desire. Almighty God is your strength. To my Lord, Hon. Justice Francis Tabai (JSC), your acceptance to chair this occasion bears eloquent testimony to your insatiable thirst for knowledge and excellence. We remain grateful. I am also indebted to the National President of ICAN, Mr. Dele Owolabi, for finding time, despite his very busy schedule, to be with us; and to my brothers, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), Mallam Yusuf Alli (SAN), Odua Clement Ofuani (FCA) and Mr. Joel Onowalekpo (FCA). I am deeply touched by your acceptance to be with us today. Thank you. Permit me also to congratulate one of the great Deltans of our time and the doyen of boardroom politics, Chief Gamaliel Onosode, who recently joined the revered octogenarian club. Happy birthday, sir! We must never get tired of appreciating our own, the highly cerebral, focused governor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (CON), for truly keeping faith to his three-point agenda, and which has greatly turned the fortunes of our state in all spheres for the better. We must also salute his courage for being such a bastion of support and a democrat in ensuring that truly, the principle of separation of power holds sway in Delta State. To my distinguished colleagues, I owe it all to you. I remain ever grateful for your support, invaluable advice and for being such worthy allies.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 07:35:03 +0000
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