The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John
Odigie-Oyegun says Nigeria’s present economic downturn could be an act of
God to remind Nigeria on the need to implement and embrace radical change,
particularly in the country’s current economic model.ı
Odigie-Oyegun made the disclosure when he received in audience a 15-member
delegation of an APC support group, Change Agents Foundation (CAF) led by
its Director-General, Dr. Felix Felix at the party’s National Secretariat
in Abuja.
“I think God has a hand in the current economic predicament of the
country. Imagine the sudden fall in the price of crude oil, the mainstay
of the Nigerian economy, from its heights in 2014, averaging $112 per
barrel down to the current price of $28 per barrel — lower than the $38
per barrel which the proposed 2016 budget is predicated on. It is an
object lesson for us. It tells us that we must embrace radical change in
our economic model.” Odigie-Oyegun said.
He said the drop in oil price has taken its toll on the revenue and
expenditure of the Federal Government and as a result is having a severe
effect on the economy.
Odigie-Oyegun: “The concept of change is a difficult one. Nigeria must be
ready to adapt to new ways of doing things. As a party, we know and
understand it calls for tremendous sacrifice, there is no other way. Yes
the economy is in a bad shape, but maybe that is the kick we need to be
innovative and find ways to drive the economy out of the woods.
“The luck we have is that we have as president a man committed to personal
probity and sincerity of purpose to the project of developing Nigeria.
Today, we must think and be innovative in ways of fashioning out new
economic models which diversifies from the present over reliance on oil.
“We are in the process of organising a three-day dialogue which will bring
the party, government and stakeholders for an exposition on the realities
facing the country, particular the economy. It will provide an
opportunity to exchange ideas so that we go home with a clear direction on
how to go forward.”
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director-General, Change Agents
Foundation (CAF), Dr. Felix Felix congratulated the APC National. Chairman
for leading the APC to victory at the last presidential election which
ushered in the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He said: “We are here to identify with you in this success and to say that
while achieving success is a difficult thing, sustaining success is even
more difficult. It is this realisation that prompted our coming together
to form the Change Agents Foundation.”
The Director-General said the fight against corruption being waged by the
President Muhammadu Buhari administration is already yielding results.
“Our party promised Nigerians Change and this change Nigerians have
already started experiencing through the unprecedented simplicity and
transparency our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari has brought to
governance of Nigeria. The fight against corruption has already started
yielding results as looted public funds are being exposed and returned
while everybody occupying public office today is conscious of his actions
knowing that there would be consequences for any inaction or wrong
action.” Dr. Felix said.
The Director-General of Change Agents Foundation requested the National
Secretariat of the APC to register the organisation to enable it
contribute it’s quota towards efforts to deliver on the Change Mantra and
objectives of the APC.
The 15-member delegation included: Dr. Felix Felix; Henry Odili, Engr.
Paul Iheayichukwu; Philip Chikwe; Amb. Tony Anucha; Amb. Alban Paulinus;
Eze Emeghara; Amb. Prince Uzoka Emeka; Hon. Tubonemi Aggo; Engr. Iroigak
Ikann; Iyke Oginah; Chigbo Eligwe; Awu Pereowei Kelvin; Comrade George
Jeremiah Oba and Graham Waribo (Secretary-General).
ı