Privatisation of Nigeria’s economy unacceptable –Ayade

Privatisation of Nigeria’s economy unacceptable –Ayade
October 9, 2015 : Olalekan Adetayo 5 Comments
  





Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade
Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade
The Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has faulted the privatisation that has so far characterised the nation’s economy, saying it is unacceptable.
Ayade made his position known while speaking with State House correspondents shortly after a meeting he had with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The governor said “a situation where government takes public assets and put them in the hands of a few individuals is not healthy for the nation.”
He said he was sure that the President understands his position on the matter and expressed the hope that in due time, Nigerians would understand what Buhari is doing.
He said, “It is important to emphasise that privatisation, which has characterised the Nigerian economy for a long period is totally unacceptable, where government takes public assets and sells them to a few people.
“That is why I am very proud of Mr. President. Our President understands this very well and I am sure that in the course of time, we will understand what he is doing.
“When the results of his actions begin to manifest, Nigerians will know that he has come prepared and committed to take us to the path of glory. I must confess that he is a very humble President.”
Ayade said he believed that a good government should be able to respond to the needs of the vulnerable.
He said that was the reason behind his administration’s decision to provide houses for the poor and the needy at no cost.
The governor said he also signed a bill that exempted the poor from paying taxes in the state.
“We are providing housing for the poor and the needy because there is no government that calls itself a government, if you don’t respond to the needs of the vulnerable, you cannot call yourself a government.
“That is when you will bring transformation to government. I also signed into law a bill that I originated to exempt the poor people from paying tax.
“Government’s profit is socio-harmony; government’s profit is provision of jobs for her people,” he added.
Ayade also clarified the circumstances leading to the recent cancellation of Buhari’s planned visit to the state.
He said the grey areas that resulted into the cancellation had been sorted out and that a new date would soon be announced.
The governor said, “There were wrong speculations in the press, linking the shift in the visit to politics, linking the shift to so many other considerations other than what was real.
“Basically, what happened was that there were environmental issues which were duly raised by the Ministry of Environment and all those issues and concerns that were expressed have been addressed.”
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