The Founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, has urged Nigerians to reject the request by President Goodluck Jonathan for a loan of $1bn to fight insecurity.
While speaking with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Fasehun, who is also the National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria, said the loan would have an adverse effect on the economy.
He said, “I personally do not think Nigeria should take such a loan. It is like rubbing salt on injury. Nigerians are not ready to take a loan on something that will not add anything to our economy. We fought a civil war in this country and we didn’t borrow a dime. We should manage within what we have. After all, governors are taking security votes, what do they spend the security vote on?”
While calling for the rescue of the over 200 schoolgirls that were abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok, Fasehun said political parties in the country should come together to organise a summit to discuss terrorism and proffer solutions to the various security challenges facing the country.
He said, “When the 9/11 attack happened in the United States, American politicians broke through all political divides and patriotically denounced and confronted terrorism. What we have in Nigeria is the Boko Haram insurgency and all parties must come together organise a summit to discuss and proffer solution to these challenges.
“It is high time Nigerians come together to rescue these girls, let Nigerians, progressives and non-progressives Nigerians, illiterates and literates work together to bring back these girls.”
The UPN leader criticised the way the National Conference was constituted, adding that it should have involved more youths.
He said, “Spending N7 billion without an enabling bill may provoke the National Assembly to stay out of the outcome of the confab. So, what we are actually doing is illegal. Up until now, we don’t know who will deliberate on the outcome of the conference.”
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