A former Governor of Anambra state and a Presidential aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party platform, PDP, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for the need to move the country from consumption to production. He said there was nothing to share again, as the country direly needs wealth creators.
Coming from a trader’s background, Mr. Obi, who had created wealth in private space and government space, stated that it was time to shut down the cost of governance.
“Look at the trajectory of all the places I had responsibilities to handle when I was a governor.
“On security, we have what we call natural security and artificial security. Natural security deals with job creation. You need to put food on people’s tables to ensure they aren’t doing the wrong things to get their livelihood.
“If they don’t know where the next meal will come from, the tendency is that they will become tools for anything.
“So, we need to employ people.”
Mr. Obi shared his theory on how best to create wealth in a growing population. “I know what to do in putting money into micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.
I have the experience, and I know what we can effectively do to turn the situation around,” he remarked.
OBI’S EVALUATION OF THE NATION’S SITUATION
“We are in a crisis; the party needs to allow the best candidate to emerge because the nation requires the best hands.
“Presently, we use about 90% of our budget to service debt. First months of last year, we earned 1,875 trillion naira; we used 1,802 trillion naira to service debt, which is 98% of our revenue.
“Last year, on a budget of 13 trillion naira, we said we would borrow 4 trillion naira, but what we generated was far below, so we borrowed 6.5—7 trillion naira.
“The target was to generate 20 trillion naira and borrow only 7 trillion naira, but I assure you, we will borrow more than that, so we have a crisis,” he confirmed.
He added that according to records, Nigeria was on the top list of fragile and terrorist-ridden states behind Yemen and Afghanistan. “More people live in harsher conditions, and we still have lots of out-of-school children,” the Presidential aspirant reiterated.
“Unemployment is 33% officially, but about 55% when you add underemployment. 60% of these are the young ones who constitute the assets and the engine room of their productive age.
People now spend 100% of their salary to feed themselves. It is a crises situation,” Mr. Obi stressed.
He restated his concerns that the country needs to bring in competent hands and good managers of resources.
“So, if someone comes and tells you they can improve the situation, ask him to show you evidence of their previous achievements.
When you read Ngozi Okonjo’s book “Fighting Corruption is Dangerous,” you will find that among many, I supported the idea of savings,” he said.
You must look and check the background of all the people contesting.
As a businessman, I probably have a unique background since I have chaired corporations like SEC and so many quoted companies, not to mention my history as a governor.
After taking time to make assessments, ask yourself, who is the right person to take leadership of this country at this difficult time?” said Mr. Obi.
He clarified that his desperation to lead wasn’t because he wanted to become President but to see a better Nigeria.
E/Suzan O.
