The emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Okogie has noted that never before has the economy of the nation be as terrible as it is presently. He, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to steer Nigeria towards prosperity and stop laying blame on past administrations.
In an open letter to the President, Okogie stated that the present deplorable state of the economy should bring the best out of the President and that the continued demonising and alienation of members of the opposition will prevent the entire political class from rallying round to save the nation from the current challenges.
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 agriculture, make country tourist and investor friendly, and enable our young men and women to find fulfilment 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.”
The Cardinal stated that cries of “hunger” could be heard across the length and breadth of the vast country, adding that Nigerians hunger, not only for food, but also for good leadership, for peace, security and justice.
He maintained 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.
“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 Buhari to fulfil the promises he made during the campaign, stressing that he should show accountability by communicating directly to Nigerians and not through ministers.
“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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