A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has urged the government to focus more on restructuring and infrastructure development to improve the economy.
Adegboruwa made the remark on Wednesday at the Panel Discussion at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch 2024 Law Week in Ibadan.
The lawyer was the lead Speaker on the topic “The Tinubu Administration’s Economic Agenda and Policy: How far, so far”.
Adegboruwa advised the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to build more durable roads and create conducive environments for businesses to thrive.
He advised the government to ensure that there was consistency in the implementation of government policies and independence of the judiciary.
These, he said, were paramount for the development of the economy.
“Some of the policies such as the fuel, electricity subsidy removal brought hardship to the populace.
“The security, welfare of the people should be top priority of every government, also the government should carry everybody along in the appointment of government positions.
“Positions of authorities shouldn’t be determined by ethnicity because there won’t be equity and justice if that is the case.
“The president should go through the constitution and do restructuring the way it should be.
“There is urgent need for the government to look into some policies that are increasing the sufferings of people and bring solutions to save lives,” Adegboruwa said.
Also, the National Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ajibola Basiru, one of the panelists, said the government was doing its best to improve the economy.
Basiru said that the government had embarked on quite a number of infrastructure works across the country, adding that it was also working tirelessly to address the challenge of inflation.
“The government is not folding its hands, the 2025 budget is targeted at reducing inflation, the decision to remove fuel subsidy is not a personal decision, but one also approved by National Assembly,” Basiru said.
However, a PDP Chieftain and Public Affairs Analyst, Mr Segun Sowunmi, said subsidy removal should have been done in phases while necessary measures taken ahead to cushion its effects on the populace.
Sowunmi emphasised that it was the number one duty of the government to regulate the economy, curb corruption and punish culprits.
“Those involved in the sales and abuse of naira should also be caught and punished without prejudice,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, wife of the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, urged all stakeholders including the judiciary to join hands and ensure the revitalisation of the economy.
“The call is for all and sundry and not only the government alone,” Akeredolu said.
She, on behalf of the family, congratulated the NBA Ibadan on its 70th anniversary and thanked them for the love shown to Akeredolu’s family. (NAN)
