Creation of more states not solution to Nigeria’s problems – Ahmed

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has said that the creation of additional states should not be seen as solution to the socio-economic problems of the country. He stated that rather, good governance and optimum utilisation of resources should be seen as the panacea to some of the nation’s development challenges.

He called on Kwara State delegates to the ongoing National Conference not to support moves that could lead to the balkanisation of Kwara State, which he claimed that its strength lives in its heterogeneity. Ahmed spoke while addressing the delegates from the state in Abuja, according to a statement on Sunday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba. Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegates, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, according to the statement, said they were on the visit to discuss issues of concern to Kwara State with Ahmed. He stated that the issues include boundary adjustment, revenue allocation, devolution of power, creation of states and local governments, role of traditional rulers among others. Meanwhile, the Freedom Group of the State Peoples Democratic Party, Kwara State chapter has accepted the outcome of PDP’s state congress in Kwara which it earlier had rejected. According to a statement on Sunday by the group’s spokesperson, Alhaji Tajudeen Kareem, the reconciliation was made at a meeting in Abuja between the newly elected state Chairman of PDP, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo and leaders of the Freedom Group led by Mr. Kunle Sulyman. He added that members of the group had resolved to bury the hatchet, close ranks and work together in the interest of the party and the state. “The meeting examined the lapses noticed in the conduct of the congress and reviewed the roles played by elders and officials of the party. “Although those in attendance recounted their experiences during the campaign and negotiations prior to the congress, it was resolved that party members should rally round the new executive committee to build a durable party structure in the state in time for the coming general elections,” Kareem said. He stated that Sulyman, Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, Sola Alao, Lanre Ogundeji, Bode Ojomu, Mrs Sola Adeoti, Mr Iliasu Ibrahim and Mr. Sola Babatunde also attended the reconciliation meeting.