Akpan Umoh
An All Progressives Congress (APC) Elder statesman in Akwa Ibom, Mr Sunny Jackson Udoh, has called for unity and support among all political leaders in the country to ensure that dividends of democracy get to the citizenry.
Udoh made the call in his interaction with newsmen in Uyo on Saturday, urging cabinet members to give President Bola Tinubu sincere and candid advice to move the nation’s economy forward.
He charged all political leaders, especially cabinet members to ensure self-discipline and do what is right as it will enhance good government policies.
The former House Assembly member and business magnet urged the President and his cabinet to make policies with human face to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerians.
He advised the federal government to concentrate on assisting manufacturers of local goods to grow the economy and create employment for Nigerians.
Udoh said that without a robust private sector, the efforts of the Government to overhaul the economy and improve the living conditions of Nigerians would still be a mirage even with the enabling projections in the 2024 budgets.
“It is good to be optimistic about budget forecasts. However, we know the reality. We should be sincere to ourselves.
“We created monsters in the economy through unnecessary monopoly and should deal with it sincerely by correcting the mistakes. For example, when you give some company concessions to the detriment of other companies producing similar goods locally, you gradually halt the economy.
“The President should make policies with a human face to alleviate the suffering caused by the recent fuel subsidy removal.
“Policies that will focus on job creation to reduce unemployment. Revive local industries, engage in local technology, and improve power supply to rejig the economy.
“With improved power supply in the country, small businesses will thrive and young people will be engaged in one business or the other thereby reducing crimes
“I believe government advisers should know what they are talking about and their emphasis should be placed on production as against the current consumption trend.
“When we do the right thing the Economy will improve, this right thing includes allowing companies to breathe fresh air,” Udoh said.
Udoh, who was one of the founding leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) said he is well positioned to assist the federal government revamp the economy as he had since relinquished his position as political leader of his community to younger persons.