The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to prioritize building trust with the Nigerian people and address critical sectors for the country’s development.
Ezeokenwa made the call when he appeared today on a programme on a national television monitored by our correspondent in Anambra.
The APGA National Chairman was responding to a question on how citizens’ support aid governance activities, spoke on the impact trust can have on the country’s overall governance structure.
He pointed out that lack of trust in the government by the Nigerian people, is a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome with swift and decisive action.
“Government must actively work towards building trust with the Nigerian populace. This is the glue that holds the ship together for effective governance, national unity, and progress,” he posited.
On subsidy removal, Barr Ezeokenwa reiterated his support for subsidy removal, branding it “a criminal syndicate and an unsustainable practice.”
He stressed that removing subsidies is a necessary step to “cut the fat” and allow development in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy to soar, securing long-term growth and sustainability.
He further emphasized that the gains from subsidy removal should be channeled towards multiple sectors, including education, health, and MSMEs.
The APGA National Chairman commended the Federal government and the organized labor union for reaching a common ground, which effectively averted the potential for an indefinite strike.
He recognized that such a strike would have caused additional hardships for Nigerians.
Identifying power and transportation as two critical sectors with immense potential, the APGA National Chairman applauded the government for enlisting power into the concurrent legislative list.
He praised this move as a positive stride toward tackling the challenges in the power sector head-on.
However, he underscored the importance of hitting the gas pedal to fully leverage the potential of these sectors, as they have the capacity to rev up the economy and positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
Barrister Ezeokenwa also on the programme, called for the restructuring of Nigeria.
“There is the need to devolve more powers to state governments, as they are the ones on the ground and better equipped to handle region-specific challenges effectively.
“Empowering state governments with increased authority would enable them to take decisive action and implement policies tailored to the unique needs of their respective regions,” he said.
Ezeokenwa referenced President Tinubu as a notable advocate for restructuring during his tenure as the Governor of Lagos state, urging the President to remain committed to his longstanding beliefs and implement the restructuring agenda that he has consistently championed.
On the issue of state Police, Ezeokenwa said; “the control of the police should shift from the federal government to state governments.
“The state governments, due to their close connections with local communities, possess a greater ability to handle security reports and effectively address security challenges at the grassroots level.
“Decentralizing power to state governments, would pave the way for more localized and responsive security measures.
“Ultimately, this perspective aims to empower state governments and enable them to assume direct responsibility for security issues within their respective regions, utilizing their comprehensive understanding of local dynamics and context,” he maintained.
The APGA National Chairman passionately called for unity and peace in the country, emphasizing the need for all citizens to come together and work towards a common goal.
Recognizing the importance of putting aside differences and promoting harmony, he stressed that only through unity can the nation overcome its challenges and achieve progress.
He urged leaders from all sectors to foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, encouraging citizens to embrace diversity and build a society where everyone feels valued and respected.
