By Our Correspondents
EMINENT Nigerians across the country have reeled out their expectations from both the Delta State and Federal Governments in 2014.
Those who spoke to our Correspondents on their expectations from Governments in 2014 include; Dr. Evelyn Omawwumi Urhobo; Chief Bobson Gbinije; Barrister Oghenejabor Ikimi; Barrister Fred Aburu; Barrister Eric Omare and Barrister Akpo Mudiaga-Odje.
Dr. Evelyn Omawumi Urhobo, President/CEO, Morgan Smart Development Foundation (MSDF) on phone from Lagos, told National Reformer that “My expectation from the State and Federation is that more serious attention should be given to job creation for the Youths of this country. This situation is getting more alarming because whatever is being done for the youths is mere tokism and it potent great danger for the Country. The number of jobs which Government said it has created tends to give the impression that Government is not aware of the magnitude of the challenges of this huge number of unemployed youths in the Country.”
“We do not even have any data for job created for youths in Delta State. Those in charge here must come up with new initiatives, some innovation and originality in conception of job creation, that should be pursued vigorously to bring some relieve to the unemployed youths of this country. Of course women must be given more say in addressing the multifarious challenges confronting the country today. They are more level headed and focused and would bring some practical solutions to the problems confronting us as a Nation. Then the issue of light!. I spent the whole Christmas without light and I understand this was a general problem in most part of the country. This is very sad indeed,” she added.
According to her, “Why are the promises made to produce light not been met and why are we not getting some explanations. This should douse the anger being felt around the whole place. This issue of light must be given the full priority that it deserves in view of the economic benefit to the nation.”
Chief Bobson Gbinije, National Coordinator of Mandate Against Poverty (MAP) called for the setting up of industries to check mate joblessness. He also urged Governments to complete the Gas project, Warri Industrial Park, Massive construction of roads including Okobia Road and completion of on-going projects.
National Coordinator, Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FJDH), Barrister Oghenejabor Ikimi averred that “In the year 2014, Nigerians must join hands with Governments at all levels to fight official corruption and poverty in our polity as Government alone cannot do it. Nigerians must learn to expose corrupt leaders rather than worshipping them, this is because for every money looted, wasted or mismanaged by a public office holder and is allowed to go unpunished, same would translate into poverty, decay in public infrastructure, insecurity, massive unemployment etc little wonder the chaotic situation we find ourselves in our present polity.”
In addition, he said, “The Federal Government must as a priority strengthen and re-position the EFCC, ICPC and the code of conduct bureau respectively for greater efficiency in 2014. A recent report by the code of conduct bureau that over 300,000 public office holders have refused to declare their assets with a dumb response from Nigerians is appalling to say the least. Little wonder our current ranking index of 124 out of 177 by transparency international speaks volume.”
“Our current stagnation in terms of development and nation building is owing to the earth-quaking level of corruption nationwide hence the urgent need to arrest same by all Nigerians. For instance, Governments at all levels in 2013 failed woefully the 7 principles of public life as propounded by Lord Nolan i.e. selflessness, integrity, objectivity, openness, accountability, honesty and leadership when subjected to the above test. However should we as a nation get it right in 2014 we would have overcome many of those challenges that beset us in 2013,” he stated.
A Warri Based-Legal Practitioner, Barrister Fred Aburu said, he wants the Delta State Government to give adequate attention to security in 2014.
A Warri based lawyer, Barrister Eric Omare said that “2013 was an eventful and challenging year for Nigeria. In 2014, obviously electoral activities would be in the front burner. However, for Governors completely their term, they should concentrate on completing on-going projects, rather than making a successor. Experience has shown that only endurable projects can sustain ones legacy rather than a successor. At the Federal level, I expect President Jonathan to be more aggressive in his approach to governance. There is no time for slow and steady anymore. We want Nigeria to be on the fast lane. Goodluck Jonathan has had enough time in moving Nigeria forward. Above all, it is our collective responsibility to move Nigeria forward.”
On his part, a Constitutional Lawyer, Barrister Akpo Mudiaga-Odje said; “I want the Delta State Government to address employment, transportation and energy. The state is doing well in transportation and others but we urge that employment scheme be created for the youths especially. The Federal Government should focus on power. Power is comatose in Nigeria. We spend thousands upon thousands of Naira to buy diesel. I believe President Jonathan should declare a state of emergency in the power sector. INEC should be properly funded in the 2015 budget to enable us get good elections.”
