Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan.
A chieftain of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has said that the current crises bedeviling the country were as a result of social crises, which started many years back.
Iwuanyanwu, who is a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) made the observation in Ibadan over the weekend.
The Imo State-born politician and media propreitor stressed that the current economic hardship in the country could not be blamed on President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it was a serious problem that started many years back.
He however frowned at the manner of administration of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, policy and the school feeding program of the Federal Government
On the TSA policy, the businessman said: “In my opinion, TSA is all about transferring all revenues of government into an account at CBN. It is true that it helps in reducing fraud but it has a negative effect on the economy.
“Most of the banks have lost revenue to this policy, thereby retrenching their workers. The truth is that the money when domiciled in the banks is used at enhancing SMEs through credit facilities at affordable interest.
“Today, most of the bank have little to lend these SMEs and with high interest rates. This is discouraging because most businessmen are not sure of how to pay the high interest rate”.
He chided the school feeding program and N5, 000 monthly allowances being doled to the unemployed, pointing out that such money could be used to develop the economy through the enhancement of small and medium scale businesses.
He said: “Of course, Nigerians voted out the PDP because they presumed the APC could solve the existing problem.
“The APC (All Progressives Congress) came into power, having assured Nigerians that they have identified the problem and can solve it. So, Nigerians expect them to fulfill the promise they made”.
He lauded Buhari administration in the fight against corruption and insecurity but said that the increasing rate of unemployment needed to be solved.
According to the politician, the APC brought three cardinal points to government, which was the fight against corruption, insecurity and unemployment.
On the issue of corruption, the PDP chief said: “Corruption today is widespread. Government has tried by taking the first step of facing it courageously. The anti-corruption war required the type of Buhari’s courage.
“The solution to corruption would come when Nigerians regain their consciousness to understand that corruption is bad. One should understand that everything acquired through corruption is of no use.
“As far as I am concerned, Buhari has done well in the fight against corruption. There are accusations that the fight is sectional.
“Buhari cannot be everywhere. Buhari is a human being and he is working with some Nigerians. The president cannot know everybody and solve every problem.
“I believe the press and Nigerians should support government in solving the problem”.
He spoke further: “On insecurity, I think they have done well too. Certainly, when he came in, most of the achievements of the military could not have been overnight. I believe they must have laid some plans and bought some equipment.
Iwuanyanwu who said that people were initially afraid of government’s approach towards militancy in the oil-rich but neglected Niger Delta region said the initial fear faded away when the government chose dialogue to military confrontation.
He said that the only problem today was kidnapping and armed robbery, which could be blamed on the increasing rate of unemployment.
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