Gov. Yari Abdulaziz of Zamfara on Saturday said that the Federal Government should follow the constitution in sharing the proposed Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF).
Abdulaziz said this while responding to questions from Aviation Correspondents at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The Governor said the money in question was Nigerians’ money, “it is not Federal Government’s money. This money belongs to the entire Nigerians. We are only opportune to be leaders.
“What we are saying is that the Federal Government should obey the constitution.’’
Abdulaziz said that the constitution was very clear on revenue sharing arrangement among the federating units.
“It says that all money should be kept in the Federal Government consolidated account and be shared among the three tiers of government. But we know we must spend something. So, how do we do it?’’
The governor said that they would amend the constitution and after that agree on the terms of what goes to each tier.
Abdulaziz, however, said that there was no crisis between the Federal Government and the Governors on the SWF, but only a misunderstanding.
“And we met and we agreed with Mr President that nobody can say you should not share anything, but before you do that , make sure you have the backing of the law.’’
Abdulaziz said that the governors were of this view because they are the number one bonafide members of these laws by virtue of the oath of office they swore to on assumption of office.
‘’In the oath of office we took on assumption of office, we vowed to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’