Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has called for a stimulus
package for states and local governments of the federation as a quick
measure to bail out the governments from the present economic quagmire.
Besides, he has enjoined the in-coming government at the federal level to
forge a national consensus on economy direction, if Nigeria must move
forward.
Speaking Friday in Lagos at the presentation and launch of a book entitled
“ Delta Beyond Oil: A legacy of Sustainable Development” written by Mr.
Sam Omatseye, at a forum organized by Nigeria Institute of Directors, the
Governor said that the stimulus package however has to be discussed and
attended to quickly.
According to him, this has become necessary because currently about 30
states including the federal government were either not able to fund
recurrent cost including payment of salaries or have to borrow money to
pay for it.
“I stand with those asking for stimulus package for the states and local
governments. This has to be discussed and attended to quickly”, he stated.
Dr Uduaghan said that the failure of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) at the centre to grow the nation’s economy to the desired result was
attributable to lack of national consensus.
His words: “I am sure many of us in the audience will recall several
attempts that were made by the PDP government at the centre to ensure that
we build up our fiscal buffers, reduce our foreign debt, invest in foreign
assets through sovereign wealth fund and have something for the rainy day
but somehow lack of national consensus made that impossible”.
“Is it a PDP failure alone? No it is not. It is a collective failure. Many
APC chieftains who are basking in the glow of winning power at the centre
were main actors in the politics that stalled further progress in the
direction highlighted”, he added
However, he stressed that it was important that whatever APC does it must
forge national consensus on economic direction, if Nigeria is to move
forward.
“Some of what I have said will test APC. APC must prove it’s a party to be
trusted. Nigerians are anxious to see how the party conducts itself. How
they act in power. Is APC in power better or different from APC in
opposition? The answer is blowing in the wind. Though, it might be too
early to judge but I have my deep doubt.”
“So far, I do not think they are taking the right steps. They have
jettisoned zoning. They are sounding unsure of themselves about how to
manage the economy. General Buhari wants tips from President Jonathan,
some outlandish promises have been made, one of which is naira/dollar
parity.”
“APC is obviously worried about weight of public expectations it raised
from the propaganda it fed Nigerians, the party is obviously trying to
distance itself from the promises they made, which under current situation
is impossible to fulfill.”
“With a growth rate of 6.08%, Nigeria’s GDP value represents 0.84% of
global economy. This is quite small. I think therefore the change APC
wants to make should be their ability to double the size of Nigeria’s
economy. Under current growth rate of 6.08% it will, by some estimates,
take 11 years to accomplish.”
“I don’t know how many Nigerians that will be patient for that to happen
in 11 years. To create prosperity, APC must work hard to double the
national growth rate and hence double the size of Nigeria’s economy at a
shorter time. Otherwise, Nigerians are going to show APC the door in
2019.”
A cross section of prominent Deltans at the event includes Pa Philip
Asiodu, Professor Grace Alele–Williams and Pa Sam Amuka of the Vanguard
newspaper amongst others graced the occasion.
In another development, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has commissioned the
State Governor’s lodge Lagos.
At a very brief ceremony, Dr. Uduaghan said that he had to undertake the
project to give the state a befitting place in Lagos, disclosing that
“the lodge is not his personal building but a state government project
and would be use by successive governments”.
The State commissioner for Housing, Mr Solomon Ighrakpata said the project
comprised a five bedroom duplex, a three bedroom guest house , a tennis
court amongst other facilities