Cardinal Anthony Okogie has told President Muhammadu Buhari that the economy of Nigeria has never been this terrible as the country slides into recession.
In an open letter to the President, Okogie advised him to steer Nigeria towards prosperity as laying blame on the past administrations can no longer hold water.
He said, “The Nigerian economy has never been in a state as terrible as this. You as President are like pilot of an aircraft flying in turbulence. Turbulent times bring the best or the worst out of a pilot. We can no longer blame the turbulence on past administrations.
“You know quite well that some of the officials of your administration served in previous dispensations. Blame for what we have been experiencing is in fact bipartisan in character.”
“The entire political class needs to come together, irrespective of party differences, to acknowledge its collective guilt and to seek ways of saving the sinking ship that our country has become. This cannot be done if some officials of your administration demonise and alienate members of the opposition.
If a large portion of the blame for the present situation is to be laid on the doorsteps of the entire political class, the search for solution must involve everyone. That is why no one should be alienated.”
Okogie said all hands must be on deck as this is the time to revitalise moribund industries, reinvigorate oagriculture, make country tourist and investor friendly, and enable our young men and women to find fulfillment by contributing to the common good.
He added that, “Dear Mr. President, Last year, when you assumed office, the chant of ‘Change’, your campaign slogan, ushered you into the Presidential Villa.”
According to him today, cries of “hunger” could be heard across the length and breadth of the vast country. Nigerians hunger, not only for food, but also for good leadership, for peace, security and justice.
He contended that the letter was an appeal to the President to do something fast, and, if he was already doing something, to redouble his effort.
“May it not be written on the pages of history that Nigerians die of starvation under your watch. As President, you are chief servant of the nation. I therefore urge you to live up to the huge expectation of millions of Nigerians. A stitch in time saves nine. The way forward.
“This is the second year of your administration. You and your party promised to lead the masses to the Promised Land. It is not an easy task to lead. But by campaigning for this office, you offered to take the enormous task of leadership upon yourself.”
The cardinal stated that Nigerians are waiting for President Buhari to fulfil the promises he made during the campaign.
“They voted you into office because of those promises. The introduction of town hall meetings is a commendable idea. But in practice, you, not just your ministers, must converse with Nigerians. You are the President. You must be accountable to them. The buck stops on your desk. Even if your administration has no magic wand at least give some words of encouragement.”
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