A renounced Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi has warned that the ongoing leadership crisis at the National Assembly may affect plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to change Nigeria.
Utomi therefore warned the ruling party not to allow “petty politics” derail its Change Agenda.
The economist spoke on Sunday at a programme tagged, ‘The Banquet of Stars Against Cancer’ organised by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy In Nigeria (CECP) to commemorate Cancer Awareness Week, raise fund and mobilize Nigerians to fight cancer scourge.
The event was put together to mark the birthday of Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode.
Utomi told DAILY POST that he was concerned about the NASS saga, urging the party to resolve the matter amicably.
He said: “What is important now is for everybody to focus and not allow petty politics distract us and we must no let that happen.
“The people are expecting Change and if the ruling party is fighting over this and that then we have problems in our hands.”
Speaking on economic crisis at the federal level and states, the management expert sais the problem must be addressed holistically.
“First of all, we must recognise we have a crisis. We need to have some mechanism by which we look at the debt the states have built up and develop conditionalites because they must be more responsible in spending.
“The we must find a way to raise money. May be take bonds and fulfil the responsibilities.
“Unfortunately, some states are owing salaries but they have to find a way out because when people have money in their hands, they spend, they can stimulate other business activities and that boosts dynamics of economic exchange.”
Asked to particularly react to the situation in Osun State where workers are being owed 7 months salaries, Utomi advised on debt restricting.
“Like most businessmen who run into challenges, states can have their debt restructured and put in long term instruments related to prospects of revenues coming in and over a period of time amortize those commitments.”
Questioned on reports that he’s being touted as one those President Muhammadu Buhari is considering for ministerial position, he said “Well, you said touting. Let them finish touting, then we see what happens next.”
On whether he would accept or reject a nomination, Utomi replied: “I think the way our country is now, all hands must be on deck to get the job done. But whatever I can to make our country make progress, I will do at this stage.”
Governor Ambode at the event urged corporate organisations, NGOs and individuals to invest in cancer awareness, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research to reduce the burden of the disease.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule, said government recognized the task to provide quality healthcare for the people.
”Lives are lost everyday to cancer and this is unacceptable. This triggered the annual health mission organised by the Lagos State Government to screen the public for cancers.
”Government alone cannot do it. I call on corporate bodies, NGOs and individuals to invest in healthcare to reduce disease burden.
”To this end, I urge those who planned gifts and adverts for the celebration of my birthday to channel the funds towards the fight against cancer, ”he said.
Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, in a keynote address read on his behalf, highlighted lack of fund and private sector involvement as factors militating against adequate health care facilities in Nigeria.
“Financing is a critical wall against the fight against cancer, so on realising this we proposed a fiscal policy aimed at improving our medical facilities.
“However on our part as organised private sector and Capital Market Community, we have resolved to raise more than N1 billion in 10 years to fight cancer.
“The specific goal is to raise funds to acquire and deploy 37 Mobile Cancer Centres (MCC), which would take health promotion to grassroots of Nigeria. Each Mobile unit costs N120 Million.
”Therefore, I call on other organisations to be a part of this fight against cancer by donating generously to this course,” Elumelu who donated N7.5million to the course added.
Similarly, Chairman of the occasion and Co-founder of GTBank, Fola Adeola, donated N5million.
He appealed to all Nigerians to donate to the programme, which he noted would save more Nigerians from cancer disease.
In her speech, Dr Abia Nzelu, Secretary, CECP said that one in three Nigerians would be diagnosed of cancer in their life time, 100, 000 news cases were diagnosed yearly and 80, 000 die annually of cancer in Nigeria.
”We need to act fast and now by providing these mobile cancer clinics, comprehensive cancer centre and a cancer institute to win the war against cancer.
”This move will screen, diagnose, treat and prevent cancers since early detection and prevention is the way to overcome the cancer burden,” she said.
Some of the cancer victims, who spoke at the occasion, were Maiden Olorogun Ibru, who lost her husband, Mr Alex Ibru to colon cancer, and Ms Adenike Oyetunde, lawyer and broadcaster with Nigeria Info FM, who lost her limb to cancer.
They appealed for generous donations towards saving many Nigerians from the scourge of cancer.
In attendance were Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo represented by former Lagos Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, Sultan of Sokoto represented by the Emir of Shonga, Alhaji Haliru Yahaya, wife of former CJN, Maryam Uwais among many other dignitaries.
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