The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, advocates a return to fiscal federalism and adoption of state police for Nigeria’s growth and security.

The archbishop made the call on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Mass to mark his 65th birthday anniversary.

He said that the return of the federal system and the implementation of the state police were in dire need to reposition the country for greater development.

Mr Martins, known for his insightful stance on national issues, said those would end agitations for self-determination.

Speaking on the return to the old national anthem, the archbishop said the wordings of the reverted anthem could inspire Nigerians to feel the needed patriotism.

The Catholic leader said Nigerians are clamouring for many pressing issues, such as the implementation of a workable federal system of government.

He pointed out that Nigerians have long considered adopting a state police structure to improve the security of life and property.

“If the legislature and executive can exert the same energy and commitment they applied in the passage and signing into law of the reversed anthem on salient issues agitating the minds of the people such as state police, fiscal federalism and LG autonomy, the country will get better,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians have become impatient with unending despondency that has caused many depression and loss of lives because of improperly administered policies.

The archbishop thanked God for the gift of life and urged people to pray for divine directives from the leaders to do what was expected of them. 

He said that without prayers, things might have been worse than they are today.

(NAN)