Ex-Imo Gov lauds Tinubu over economic reforms 

From George  Onyejiuwa, Owerri

This is even as the former governor has urged the  president  to embark on wholesome political restructuring of the country  insisting that the current political  system is not working.

Dr Ohakim who delivered a lecture titled: Rebuilding  Nigeria ‘s Troubled Ecomony: Practical Insight Into The Challenges And  Solutions  , at the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Orlu ,Imo state , at the weekend.

He said that Nigeria is in economic quagmire characterized by multiple challenges and problems, but that these are not insurmountable if the faulty federalism is tackled.

 The ex Imo governor, however said  that President Tinubu should be commended for the economic measures being taken by his government to reform and reposition the nation’s economy.

According to him , ”  Our efforts at finding a solution to our myriad of economic problems will continue to fail to give the needed results if we do not restructure the country politically.  It is no exaggeration to point out that our efforts over the years to tackle our perennial economic challenges have been merely quick fixes by succeeding administrations in order to escape criticisms and appear popular among the the people .

However,  “At the risk of sounding patronizing I hasten to say that it is only in the last two years that Bola Tinubu administration that we are going beyond quick fixes to fundamentally address the root cause of our economic problems.

He noted that , “The Tinubu administration has taken measures, though Painful ,clearly prevented the complete deterioration of the national Ecomony. Agreed, Nigerians are reeling under excruciating as a result of some measures but even though it is hard to sale,there can be no doubt that there is a brighter future ahead. At the initial stage the removal  of petroleum subsidy .The product was sold for over 1, 500 per litre all over the country.  Petrol is today available all over the country and the infamous black market has been eliminated.

Continuing,  ” The removal of subsidy has freed Money that was hitherto starched away by a  few during the subsidy regime into the hands of government. Today, the sub national governments, that is the state governments ,receive more money from the federation account and , even though some in this Hall may not agree with me , many of the governors are putting it to good use .At least we have a testament with our own state under governor Hope Uzodimma with the road revolution in the state.”

However,  Ohakim insists that the urgency of political restructuring of the country can not be over emphasized and that pPpe

President Tinubu possesses the innate courage and to under take the task of restructuring Nigeria.

” The urgency of our situation demands that a normal ,a clear and different structure through which our people will be organised to face the changing world.  Preident Tinubu possesses that innate courage to under take the task of restructuring Nigeria.  The time start now. “