ABUJA – As the country’s recession bites harder, the Senate of the Federal Republic has urged President Mohammadu Buhari to look inwards and reposition his cabinet to redress the situation.
In a debate on the current national economic challenges, which started yesterday, the senators chorussed “square pegs in square holes”, while those who cannot fit-in should fit-out.
They also enjoined the president to transcend religion, ethnicity and partisan politics and fetch capable hands to assist him in recovering the country’s failing economy.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu canvassed relevant constitutional amendments, to allow for retention of some fractions in the various national purse against the rainy.
He regretted that Nigeria has never been as divided as it is today and called for change of attitude “in the way we market ourselves”.
The DSP also warned against sale of national assets arguing that it would not help our coming generation. He however suggested that only non-performing assets should be sold.
He further suggested: “renegotiate terms with oil majors to free enough money for use; let’s diversify the economy; let there be a social safety net for the peopl”.
On his part, Sen. Dino Melaye urged that executive secretary of Financial Council of Nigeria be invited to brief the Senate on the economy, and that the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He also enjoined the federal government to negotiate with Niger Delta militants so as to allow for increase crude production.
Sen. George Akume (Benue NE) noted: this is not the time to sell national assets, let us invest so much in agriculture; those who are urging sales of assets are those with means to buy them”.
Other senators who contributrd to the debate included Shehu Sani, John Enoh, Sam Anyanwu, Mohammed Hassan, Rabiu Kwankwanso, lsiaka Adeleke and Emmanuel Bwacha among others.
The debate continues today.
