The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advised President Bola Tinubu to consult distinguished economists to help rectify and reconstruct the nation’s economy.
The group stated that by utilising the expertise of economists such as former Minister of Finance and current Director-Genereal, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; economic policy expert, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; and the President, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; among others, the nation’s “economic recovery can be swiftly devised,” adding that such will bring a reduction in the “burdensome cost of governance.”
However, Ohanaeze cautioned that the consultations should be made “solely based on their merits and not tribal affiliations.”
This was disclosed on Thursday in a statement by the group’s Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
He noted that the nation’s economy has been marred by high prices of essential commodities in the markets, as this has consequently increased hunger among the populace.
This is evident as the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday ordered the Federal Government to fix the prices of goods and petroleum products within seven days.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa specifically ordered the government to fix the prices of milk, flour, salt, sugar, bicycles, and their spare parts, matches, motorcycles and their spare parts, motor vehicles and their spare parts as well as petroleum products, which includes diesel, Premium Motor Spirit and kerosene.
This followed a protest by some youths and women of Niger State who took to the streets of Minna, protesting over what they called the biting hardship and the rising cost of living in the country.
The group, in the statement, read, “As Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these challenges, the prices of essential commodities skyrocket, engendering widespread anguish and anger.
“The unhindered pain of hunger has become unbearable for the people, exacerbated by the weakening Naira due to foreign exchange complications.
“The exhaustion of Nigerians towards empty promises from the Federal Government necessitates immediate action to instill calm amidst the populace.”
It “adamantly asserts that seeking assistance from distinguished economists such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and other reputable experts, solely based on their merits and not tribal affiliations, is crucial in rectifying and reconstructing the economy for the betterment of Nigeria.”
Ohanaeze urged Tinubu that “the path to success lies in concrete and genuine consultations with the aforementioned world-renowned economists.”
The group told Tinubu “to heed our impassioned plea and promptly undertake the necessary steps to secure a prosperous future for every Nigerian.”
The group lamented that the current economic team of the Tinubu-led administration was deficient in “ideas, competencies, and willpower,” which further “underscores the urgency” for the President “to undertake a comprehensive overhaul.”
“The evident dearth of ideas, competencies, and willpower within the current economic team further underscores the urgency for Tinubu to undertake a comprehensive overhaul.
“The Nigerian populace’s patience is rapidly dwindling, and the nation teeters precariously on the brink,” the statement added.
Ohanaeze noted that the “Nigerian populace’s patience is rapidly dwindling, and the nation teeters precariously on the brink.”
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo wholeheartedly pledges an unwavering commitment to championing the rights and interests of all Igbos and Nigerians. Urgency and resolute action must be taken to address the prevailing economic hardships besieging our nation,” the group’s secretary-general stated.