Dr. Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar,III, has averred that there was nothing wrong in taking a second look at policies that do not work, even as he urged the Federal Government to review policies and programmes that are not in the interest of the people.
He spoke in Abuja at a town hall meeting/policy dialogue organized by the Alumni Association of the National Institute, AANI, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, with the theme: “Towards effective implementation of the 2016 budget.”
The Sultan held that when policies and programmes of government are not achieving desired results, they should be reviewed and realigned in line with prevailing realities.
He admonished those in authority to be conscious of the fact that they hold power in trust for the people, stressing that the primary objective of government, according to the 1999 constitution, is to ensure security of lives and property and promote welfare of citizens.
“Those in authority should appreciate the fact that they hold power in trust for the people. They should listen and be prepared to make policy changes that address the welfare of the common people. Change has been said to be constant. Therefore, there is no problem if government would review policies and programmes.
“If a policy doesn’t work there is nothing wrong in reviewing them. In my view, policies that are anti-people should be discarded and realigned in line with prevalent realities. Where Nigeria has critical problem is in the area of policy implementation,” he stated.
Abubakar added: “At times, changes come with difficulties, but it is important that both the government and the governed should accept with clean hearts that after the days of suffering, there would be days of rejoicing. If we get it right in the 2016 budget, every other thing will fall into place.”
He applauded the different efforts of the present administration towards re-positioning the Nigerian economy in the path of sustainable development, stressing that all hands must be on deck in ensuring that government delivers on its mandate.
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