Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Two-time Minister for Finance and National Budget, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, has tasked the in-coming Government of Nigeria to “drastically cut down the cost of governance,” for the country to survive.
The Wisconsin University-trained Economist and elder statesman who stated this while featuring on IkengaOnline Town-hall meeting, Thursday night, decried the high cost of governance in Nigeria.
He said that for the global community to take Nigeria seriously, the jumbo salaries and allowances of political office holders in the country should be slashed.
The former World Bank Consultant advocated immediate downward review of the jumbo pay fixed by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission for political office holders which he said, was outrageous when compared to what obtained in other democracies.
According to him, there is so much wastage at the Federal, State and Local Government Areas as a result of financial recklessness which must be plugged by the in-coming Government.
The former Finance Minister said that substantial funds could be saved from high cost of governance and be deployed to the development of infrastructure, education and the health sector.
“We are so far below what we should be in terms of infrastructure and safety nets. If we reduce cost of governance, we save funds to grow the economy, develop education and health sector; and also attract foreign investors. Nobody takes you seriously when you waste resources on high cost of governance.
“Therefore, for us to move forward as a country, the in-coming Government must cut down cost of governance.”
He advised against the appointment of so many aides most of whom do nothing but collect jumbo allowances every month.
“People should be taught how to take care of themselves and families instead of flocking around political office holders as aides and PAs.”
The former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, further regretted that “Nigeria borrowed so much from the US constitution but failed to borrow enough from her accountability system.”
He advocated the establishment of the Office of Accounting in the country that would not be subject to political manipulations so it could independently investigate any financial misconduct of any Government official.
The elder statesman further advised the in-coming Government to spend more on critical sectors like education, infrastructure, health and job creation which would have multiplier effect on the economy.
Speaking on the topic: “Nigeria’s incoming Government: Prospects & Challenges,” the former Minister tasked the in-coming administration on purposeful planning as was the case in the early 80s.
“We need to plan and decide how our villages as well as cities will grow over time.”
IkengaOnline is a South-East-focused online media outfit which aims at giving voice to citizens of the South-East, parts of Rivers and Delta states, and highlights the challenges facing the region.
The February edition featured former Education Minister, and the current Chairman, Board of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Mrs Oby Ezekwesili. She spoke on “Women in Politics, East of the Niger.”
Other eminent Igbo personalities have featured on the monthly event since its debut in 2022.
The maiden edition of IkengaOnline featured the immediate-past Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in July 2022; while the second edition featured a renowned Political Economist, Professor Pat Okedinachi Utomi, in August.
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; US-based academic, Professor Okey Ndibe; West African Regional Director, Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye; as well as multi-award-winning actress and Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Monalisa Chinda Coker, had all featured at different editions of the explosive 90 minutes show.
The monthly meetings are meant to discuss topical issues affecting the South-East zone of Nigeria in particular, and the Nigeria state in general.
Guests from across the world participated in the virtual meeting jointly anchored by Dr. Osmund Agbo and Dr Chido Onumah.
It was also transmitted live via IkengaOnline Facebook page and Twitter handle.
IkengaOnline is a publication of Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative (IMCAI), a non-profit entity that seeks to promote positive socio-cultural values, accountability and good governance through media and public education.
It is part of the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project, a multi-level intervention for media independence and government accountability, managed by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and supported by MacArthur Foundation.
