From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Former governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the economic measures being taken by his administration to reposition the economy.
He also urged him 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 economy: Practical insight into the challenges and solutions at the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Orlu, Imo State, said Nigeria is in economic quagmire characterised by multiple challenges and problems, but the challenges are not insurmountable if the faulty federalism is tackled.
He, however, said President Tinubu should be commended for the economic measures being taken by his government to reform and reposition the nation’s economy. “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 people .
“At the risk of sounding patronising, I hasten to say that it is only in the last two years of the Bola Tinubu administration that we are going beyond quick fixes to fundamentally address the root cause of our economic problems.
“The Tinubu administration has taken measures, though painful, to clearly prevent the complete deterioration of the national economy. Agreed that Nigerians are reeling under excruciating pain as a result of some measures but though it is hard, there can be no doubt that there is a brighter future ahead. At the initial stage of the removal of petroleum subsidy, the product was sold for over N1,500 per litre all over the country. Petrol is today available all over the country and the infamous black market has been eliminated.
“The removal of subsidy has freed money that was hitherto stashed away by a few during the subsidy regime into the hands of the government. Today, the sub-national governments, that is the state governments, receive more money from the federation account. Though some people 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 insisted that the urgency of political restructuring of the country cannot be overemphasised and that President Tinubu possesses the innate courage to undertake the task of restructuring Nigeria.
“The urgency of our situation demands a normal, clear and different structure through which our people will be organised to face the changing world. President Tinubu possesses that innate courage to undertake the task of restructuring Nigeria. The time starts now.”