Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, has cautioned that the current crisis in the National Assembly may influence plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to change Nigeria.
Daily Post reports that Utomi further cautioned the governing party not to let “petty politics” spoil its Change Agenda.
The political expert spoke at a programme, ‘The Banquet of Stars Against Cancer’. The event was put together to celebrate the birthday of Akinwumi Ambode, the Lagos state governor.
Utomi said that he was worried about the NASS crisis, advising the party to resolve the case harmoniously.
He said: “What is important now is for everybody to focus and not allow petty politics distract us and we must no let that happen.
“The people are expecting Change and if the ruling party is fighting over this and that then we have problems in our hands.”
He also spkoe about the economic crisis at both the federal and state level.
Utomi’s words: “First of all, we must recognise we have a crisis. We need to have some mechanism by which we look at the debt the states have built up and develop conditionalites because they must be more responsible in spending.
“The we must find a way to raise money. May be take bonds and fulfil the responsibilities.
“Unfortunately, some states are owing salaries but they have to find a way out because when people have money in their hands, they spend, they can stimulate other business activities and that boosts dynamics of economic exchange.”
Answering reports that he is being tipped as one those President Buhari is considering for ministerial posts, he said: “Well, you said touting. Let them finish touting, then we see what happens next.”
“I think the way our country is now, all hands must be on deck to get the job done. But whatever I can to make our country make progress, I will do at this stage.”
The current struggle for power in the National Assembly has been on for quite a while with the All Progressives Congress having the highest numbers of senators in Buhari’s government.
In the recently concluded election, Yakubu Dogara emerged as the speaker and Saraki emerged as Senate president, much to the chagrin of the APC leadership.
Daily Post reports that Utomi further cautioned the governing party not to let “petty politics” spoil its Change Agenda.
The political expert spoke at a programme, ‘The Banquet of Stars Against Cancer’. The event was put together to celebrate the birthday of Akinwumi Ambode, the Lagos state governor.
Utomi said that he was worried about the NASS crisis, advising the party to resolve the case harmoniously.
He said: “What is important now is for everybody to focus and not allow petty politics distract us and we must no let that happen.
“The people are expecting Change and if the ruling party is fighting over this and that then we have problems in our hands.”
He also spkoe about the economic crisis at both the federal and state level.
Utomi’s words: “First of all, we must recognise we have a crisis. We need to have some mechanism by which we look at the debt the states have built up and develop conditionalites because they must be more responsible in spending.
“The we must find a way to raise money. May be take bonds and fulfil the responsibilities.
“Unfortunately, some states are owing salaries but they have to find a way out because when people have money in their hands, they spend, they can stimulate other business activities and that boosts dynamics of economic exchange.”
Answering reports that he is being tipped as one those President Buhari is considering for ministerial posts, he said: “Well, you said touting. Let them finish touting, then we see what happens next.”
“I think the way our country is now, all hands must be on deck to get the job done. But whatever I can to make our country make progress, I will do at this stage.”
The current struggle for power in the National Assembly has been on for quite a while with the All Progressives Congress having the highest numbers of senators in Buhari’s government.
In the recently concluded election, Yakubu Dogara emerged as the speaker and Saraki emerged as Senate president, much to the chagrin of the APC leadership.
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