Jonathan’s transformation agenda not effective

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said that Nigerians have not really felt President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

She said this on Sunday at the 15th annual lecture of the Catholic Brothers United, St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos.

The topic of the lecture was: ‘Centenary celebration: Appraising Nigeria’s economic growth and development.’

Dabiri-Erewa said, “The transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government looks more like a labyrinth, leading to a cul-de-sac. The impact of the agenda is not felt by the people and the economy.

“Critical sectors of the national economy are in tatters without any concrete solution and game plan in sight. Those who preside over the affairs of the country at the executive feel that nation building or national development occurs by happenstance.”

She lamented Nigeria’s import dependent economy, saying that gas, a potential revenue earner for the country, was being flared with reckless abandon.

Describing corruption as Nigeria’s greatest albatross, she added that it had become the official policy of the state.

Dabiri-Erewa said, “The education sector is in a shambles, our hospitals today are worse than mere consulting clinics, roads are in a deplorable state of disrepair, power supply is epileptic and the state of security, horrendous.

“It is laughable that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway built in 1978 cannot be fixed by the Federal Government without getting private investors to key in.”

She called on Nigerians to stand for their beliefs, justice and progress in the forthcoming general elections.

She said Nigerians had a role to play in ensuring the right leaders were elected, as the country’s problem was that of leadership.

The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fadairo, said Nigeria’s centenary celebration called for a deep reflection.

He said the lecture was meant to address pertinent questions as Nigerians looked to the immediate future.

“We pray that the message received will have meaningful and positive impact on us and through us on the whole society,” Fadairo said.

The President, CBU, Mr. Emmanuel Uwukhor, in his welcome address, said the lecture was also a medium of raising funds by the association to finance its numerous charity projects.

Other guests at the lecture were the Group Executive Domestic Bank, Ecobank Group, Patrick Akinwutan; Vice Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Soboma Ajumogobia; and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ulasbrey Company Limited, Uzoma Okike.