Don’t abandon Jonathan’s policies, former Minister tells Buhari

A former finance minister, Shamsudeen Usman, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to carry on with projects initiated by the immediate past administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the 56th annual conference of the Nigerian Economic Society on Monday, Mr. Usman said continuing with previous projects will ensure growth and development in the country.

He said Nigeria has over the years planned richly but lacked consistency in leadership and implementation.

“What is lacking is really leadership and consistency. So I am happy to know that our new president is providing that clear leadership, which is very critical, because it’s the message signal from the top,” said Mr. Shamdueen who was also a national planning minister.

“Nigeria is not lacking in good plans; good polices. Most of these things have actually been done; identified. They are in one government file or another. The issues are the same.”

“What is important is continuity and determination and implementation,” he said.

He added that effort of the transition committee was commendable and deserved implementation.

“Implementation, especially honest and decent implementation is what is necessary,” he stated.

Mr. Usman said the current leadership style adopted by President Muhammadu Buhari was worthy of emulation because it made “followership” easy, adding that sincerity of purpose in leadership is key.

“So I think the critical issue of leadership and honesty of leadership, is very key,” he said.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, a former president of NES, Akpan Ekpo, said the problem of lack of development despite increased growth, is fuelled by the lopsided nature of growth in the economy.

“Nigeria’s misery index continues to rise despite seaming improved growth trajectory over time.”

“If growth is evenly distributed, then poverty will be reduced,” Mr. Ekpo stated.

He said the economic strategy adopted by the last administration did not produce significant impact, adding that the situation was worsened by increased poverty and lack of stability in economic policies.

Also at the event, the NES president, Olu Ajakaiye, said Nigeria was characterised by the paradox of growth, deepening poverty and gross inequality.

He said the conference which was tagged; “Attaining inclusive growth in Nigeria, prospects and challenges”, was aimed at proffering solutions to the many causes of inequality in the country.