Why Nigeria should jettison voodoo economic theory for current reforms –Tinubu

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu laments the citizens cannot have the country they desire without needed reforms, saying ‘it is a shame not to have adequate electricity for the mass majority of homes in Nigeria and to power our industries’ to alleviate poverty towards attaining the country’s ‘great destiny’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In charting a fresh path for the country’s sustainable progress, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria will drop ‘a failed economic theory’ that has wasted 90 percent of national revenue meant for development purposes on servicing external debts.

ConsumerConnect reports President Tinubu gave the assurance at the commencement of the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, in Abuja, FCT.

The Nigerian President, who spoke on the timely theme, “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation-Building”, stressed that prosperity for all would only occur, once poverty is banished from the society in partnership with the private sector leaders.

The significance of economic reforms, by President

Tinubu asserted: “Can we continue to service external debts with 90 percent of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable.

‘’We must make the very difficult changes that are necessary for our country to get up from slumber and be respected among the great nations of the world.”

According to him,  decisions must be taken to set the West African country on a growth path.

“We cannot have the country we desire without the reforms we have initiated.

“It is painful at the beginning, in the short and medium term, but we must do what we have to do to take this nation to its great destiny.

‘’It is not about you and it is not about me. It is about our generations yet unborn, for whom we must bequeath a great and prosperous country.”

The President renewed his commitment to concluding the issue of remuneration for judicial officers and legal practitioners.

True justice reform must begin with world-class salaries and benefits for legal professionals in Nigeria, Tinubu stated at the conference.

He also challenged his audience: “You are learned. I want to learn. Why are we so blessed and we are still lacking? We must have a change of attitude and a change of our mindset.

“We accuse our nation and its previous leaders. We complain a lot of the past. Is that the solution? No! Let us look forward and be determined! God has given us what we need.

‘’We must work hard with determination to make our country great and it begins with you who are seated here with me.”

Poverty eradication and erratic electricity supply

Tinubu, referencing the presentation of Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Plc and Heirs Holdings, decried Nigeria’s inability to eradicate poverty and tackle poor electricity supply over the decades.

The President restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the country generates and distributes the needed electricity for economic development.

He declared: “Yes, it is a shame not to have adequate electricity for the mass majority of homes in Nigeria and to power our industries. How can we address poverty without electricity?

‘’We can take many people out of poverty with uninterrupted electricity supply. Poverty is not acceptable, and we must banish it.”

Yakubu Maikyau, President of NBA, expressed the confidence of the body in the ability of the President to deliver good governance to Nigeria.

Maikyau noted Tinubu’s pedigree and past track record of excellent performance, in Lagos State, where he was the governor between 1999 and 2007.

“President Tinubu got it right in Lagos, and it is our considered expectation that as President of Nigeria, you will not only replicate your achievements in Lagos, but surpass them for our country.”

This year’s NBA conference in Abuja was attended by over 16,190 lawyers, include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

Sen. John Enoh, Honourable Minister of Sports; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, past NBA Presidents and senior government officials all attended the event.

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