David West
Frontline Niger Delta leader and a former Minister of Petroleum, Prof. Tam David-West, yesterday said that Nigerian government was made up of thieves, stating that there was no justification for any politician to earn more than a university Professor. Tam further said that there are very few saints in the present administration.
The former Minister made this statement during a town hall meeting organised by the University of Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
David-West affirmed that any government that mismanages funds meant to be spent on education is termed a “vagabond”.
He said, “Any government that fails to invest in education is a vagabond government. The problem with Nigeria is that we have more thieves than saints in government.
“We drill over two million barrels of crude oil per day. Why should we be poor? ASUU is saying put money in education to improve education quality for our children and those yet unborn.
“The same government that does not have money for education, budgeted N1bn each to feed the President and Vice-President for a year. Are they eating rock in Aso rock?
“It is not having university degree that makes you a good leader. Late President Umaru Yar’ dua and Goodluck Jonathan are the first set with university degrees but that has not translated to significant changes. Churchill was not the best in his class but one of the best world leaders.”
““This country is very rich but the problem is that we have too many thieves in Nigerian government than committed ones. I don’t see any reason why any lawmaker should earn more than a professor in this country. They spend less time working, some didn’t even have five credits in their O’ level, meaning that they can’t even go to the university. A Senator in Nigeria can pay President Obama’s salary four times over. When people get to the top, they become insane,” he added.
Other speakers at the event were the National Treasurer of ASUU, Dr. Ademola Aremu; state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju; ASUU Chairman, UI, Dr. Segun Ajiboye; Dr. Biodun Badmus, Mashood Erubami, Abiodun Aremu and Femi Aborishade.
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