FAYOSE, AREGBESOLA CLASH ON SALE OF NATIONAL ASSETS

Let’s sell our idle assets  from Osun gov while, Selling them amounts to auctioning Nigeria  from Ekiti gov, one would wonder the different ideas and perspectives.

@20th anniversary of Ekiti State where governor of Ekiti state, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and the governor of Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have failed to agreed on the sale of national assets in other to finance the 2016 budget.

Gov. Aregbesola delivered a keynote address on the current Nigeria economic challenges.

Aregbesola said:

We should revive agriculture, especially food production. Agriculture gives us raw materials for industries and aids in no small measure in economic development. If we can improve on our productivity in food production through agriculture, we will eliminate hunger in our land. 

I want to urge all Nigerians on a concerted effort to end vandalism of oil pipelines as militants’ activities have reduced the nation’s daily productivity level to between 700,000 to one million per barrel. 

“The current vandalism of oil pipeline by Niger Delta militants is robbing the nation of oil resources. This amounts to a huge loss of oil revenue to the country and has further led to the current recession in the country. An urgent, concerted effort is, therefore, needed to stop the vandalism so that the country could get out of the recession.”

But Fayose suggested differently.
He said:

I’m totally opposed to the sale of the national asset, as selling the national asset is like selling Nigeria at give -away price; selling our national assets simply amounts to auctioning Nigeria.

If we sell assets because the country is in recession, what would be left of Nigeria? What would we call our own? Selling of assets is like bringing the country more backward. If we sell the assets to finance this year’s budget what would we sell next year? 

The Federal Government should look beyond its party and assemble economists, financial experts, that would assist the President in his drive to bring the nation out of the present economic quagmire.

 The governor urged the federal government adhere the principles of justice and equity, which he said are germane to building democracy.

 Justice is very important and without it, democracy is already endangered. If people are now beginning to contest against INEC and security agencies for manipulation of elections, then, democracy is endangered.

It is political parties that are supposed to contest elections and not people contesting against inadequacies of the electoral umpire. A virile opposition is a veritable ingredient of democracy. 

The federal government should promote justice and the rule of law and ensure that justice is administered to all parties irrespective of political affiliation.”

He further explained why he chose Aregbesola.

I took this decision that you should come, instead of my colleague from my party because, if we don’t take away the veil of politics and wear the armour of Nigeria, we will be wasting our time. I’ve personally visited you before and I’m glad you are also here.

Earlier, Aregbesola praised Ekiti people as men of integrity and courage, urging them to continue to unite in integrity and courage and support their governor for the development of the country.