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By Brown Chimezie
The Convener of Igbo Stakeholders Forum, Prince Nixon Okwara, has said that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on a mission to transform Nigeria for good.
Speaking on the president’s recent nationwide broadcast, Prince Okwara who was a member of the defunct All Progressives Congress(APC)Presidential Campaign Council said that what the president needs at this point in time was understanding and support from all Nigerians. He also believes that though the policies were tough, it will soon yield possible results.
In this interview, he also spoke on the suspended Labour Union nationwide protest among other issues.
Excerpts:
How would you assess president Tinubu’s economic policies and programs?
Without sounding biased or prejudiced, I want to say that economic measures that he has put in place have the potential to address pressing issues such as fuel subsidy redemption and establishing a robust social safety net to protect the masses from the adverse effect of inflation and the other maladies that have been affecting our economy. One of the most commendable aspects of President Tinubu’s economic measures is the fuel subsidy removal. By phasing out subsidy, government can now allocate resources more effectively, thereby fostering the development of crucial sectors such as education,healthcare and infrastructure. Although the initial transition might pose challenges, President Tinubu’s administration has proffered a comprehensive social safety net to cushion the impact of subsidy removal on vulnerable communities. This safety net is designed to protect low-income individuals and ensure that they have access to essential services and support during the transition period, ultimately promoting equitable growth across the nation.
Hyper-inflation, high exchange rat have further weakend our national economy,do you see him handling the problems effectively?
Certainly. President Tinubu’s bold economic measures as contained in his recent national broadcast addressed inflation which is a long standing issue that has hindered Nigeria’s growth. Through prudent fiscal policies and strategic monetary measures, the government aims to control inflation, stabilises prices and create a favourable environment for investment and business expansion and by nurturing a stable economic climate,which is what he hope to do, Nigeria can attract both domestic and foreign investments, driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities for its burgeoning population. The ultimate goal of President Tinubu’s economic agenda is to guide Nigeria to the long awaited ‘promised land’ of economic prosperity and stability.With a strong focus on private sector development, infrastructural improvements and social welfare, his administration aims to unlock the nation’s full potential and foster inclusive growth for all citizens. The proactive approach to tackling economic challenges by increasing the purchasing power of the masses through salary increments, and stimulation of the economy will pave the way for sustainable development, improved living standards, and enhanced overall well-being. His broadcast and economic measures are testaments to his commitment to transforming Nigeria into an economic powerhouse and by effectively redeeming the fuel subsidy and implementing a robust safety net, his administration has already demonstrated a dedication to the welfare of the masses. And also, addressing these critical areas simply shows that we now have a listening president. The measures that he projected in the broadcast would check inflation and facilitate economic growth and they offer renewed hope for a brighter future. So as we rally behind these visionary initiatives ,we will envision a prosperous Nigeria, marching confidently toward the much anticipated promised land of economic stability and prosperity for all.
Recently Organised Labour held a nationwide one day protest over hardships caused by the removal of petrol subsidy. What is your view on this?
President Tinubu has appealed for patient and understanding. I am therefore, calling on all Nigerians to endure and stand with Mr President at this critical time in our nation. We must resist the detractors who work for the cabal that has held Nigeria down.The Nigeria Labour Congress should spend its time and money publishing the names of the subsidy cabals if they mean well for Nigeria and Nigerians. They are Labour unions which means they know exactly what is going on in the oil sector.I wish they would come clear and clean with the reports. Some members of the Labour and Trade Unions in Nigeria are playing the devil’s advocate for the criminal cabals.They want to leverage on the vulnerability,suffering and ignorance of some Nigerians to blackmail government into submission hence returning the criminal subsidy regime. Many Nigerians have complained about crazy billing and extortion by the power distribution companies but what have Labour and Trade Unions done about it?Again, many trucks and terminals have destroyed cities, estates and communities in Nigeria, why are the trade unions blind to that? Please the Nigerian masses are suffering from so many social injustices that we need the intervention of the relevant Labour unions, but some of them will not say anything because of the interest of their sponsors. Where were they when the Central bank policy strangulated the economy and as a result many Nigerians lost their lives. Where were they when criminals were fleezing the dollar leveraging on the multi-exchange regime?
How will you rate his 2 months in office?
Well, to be honest with you I am an avowed Tinubu man and one of my joys since the inception of this administration is that he has not disappointed those of us who believe in his capacity to transform Nigeria . From the first day of his assumption of office he took responsibility. He has never given excuses either for the challenges he met or the consequences of the actions of the previous government, rather he has always pleaded with Nigerians to give him time to fix the economy. When you listen carefully to his speech, you will understand that our president has a blue print to transform Nigeria. He is a man who knows where he is going and he is very focused on getting there.
He is not running a government of kicking cans or pushing blames. As Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its economic trajectory, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken decisive steps to propel the nation toward prosperity and ensure a brighter future for its citizens.
So what is now required from the citizens is patient,understanding and support for him to lead us to the long promised land of economic stability and growth.
