Group urges President to declare 3-year emergency on economy

The group’s President, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, made the call on Thursday, March 31, 2016, in Abuja shortly after leading a delegation to meet Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa.

“On the current state of the economy, we strongly suggested and advised that Mr. President, as a matter of urgency in consultation with the National Assembly, declare a three-year state of emergency on the economy," Ugwu-Oju told State House correspondents.

“This is not about APC and PDP; it is something that is non-partisan. Our economy is bad and people should realise that because we are making it seem like is something that will go away.

“We were having $100 a barrel and now we might not have $50 a barrel in the next three years and we have to factor it in.

“This issue of fuel scarcity is a typical example of what has happened, we didn’t plan for it before, we now have to get every citizen not a question of Mr. Bad or Mr. Good, the total leadership has to realise that all Nigerians have to come together, we have to roll up our sleeves so that everyone has a role to play,” he stressed.

Ugwu-Oju noted both the rich and the poor must be ready make sacrifices at this time and face that the consequences of the current economic challenges together for the country to move forward.

According to him, state governors and ministers among other top government officials must learn to travel in Economy Class while flying.

He said Nigerians would not understand things are bad when their leaders are busy drinking champagne and flying private jets.

“We have to sacrifice. It is not just the poor that should be sacrificing alone. For example, I see no reason why any minister, governor or whoever should be traveling outside Economy Class.

“We have to show that things are bad. You can’t tell me things are bad and I see you drinking champagne, flying first class or private jet, same goes for the private sector.

“These were the things we tried to make the Vice-President know and then communicate. We had a good engagement and as you know he is very intelligent, very hardworking, very cerebral and we are happy he is the Vice-President of the country,” Ugwu-Oju added.

He also disclosed that the group is planning a second South-South South-East Forum which is expected to hold on April 28 and 29, 2016.