Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural year in office, stressing that there have been significant strides made across various sectors.
However, Agbakoba emphasized the critical need for accelerated implementation to realize transformative goals and address pressing national issues.
The 70-year-old legal practitioner highlighted key achievements of Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, adoption of a floating exchange rate, and approval of a committee for the establishment of State Police.
He also noted progress in infrastructure development, economic stabilization efforts in ECOWAS, and initiatives to enhance energy security.
While acknowledging the achievements, Agbakoba underscored the imperative for Tinubu’s government to prioritize key areas such as security, power, and industrialization for maximum impact.
He urged swift action to release kinetic energy and expedite progress in the country.
Drawing a parallel with former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s transformative actions during his first 100 days in office, Agbakoba reiterated the need for Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate similar urgency and decisiveness in implementation.
The former NBA chairman called attention to the importance of establishing a strong foundation of national unity and stability, suggesting engagement with ethnic groups and stakeholders to resolve fundamental political questions.
He advocated for ”comprehensive economic recovery through targeted reforms and sector strategies, aiming at revenue generation, job creation, and infrastructure development.”
Furthermore, Agbakoba called on Tinubu to lead constitutional reform, advocating for a new constitution to promote unity, devolve powers, and strengthen democratic institutions.
He stressed the importance of collaboration with the National Assembly and stakeholders to ensure consensus-building and effective execution.
Agbakoba also urged Tinubu to lead from the front, ”driving the execution of his agenda with unwavering commitment and prioritizing urgent reforms for sustainable development and national progress.”
Agbakoba recently pressed home the need for the Federal Government to prioritize the private sector in driving economic development in Nigeria by relinquishing control of critical businesses.
While making his point, Agbakoba pointed out the significant contributions of private enterprises, such as Aliko Dangote’s refinery and Allen Onyema’s Air Peace, to the economy.
He cited examples of how Dangote’s refinery has impacted diesel prices and Air Peace has reduced airfares to the London route, noting that the private sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic revival should be encouraged.
