“How Nigeria can generate N500 trillion in 12 months—Senator Girei
The former lawmaker has outlined a 10-point plan to revive the economy and tackle insecurity, while praising President Tinubu for his responsiveness.
Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei, who represented Adamawa Central in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003, has revealed how Nigeria can generate over N500 trillion in the next 12 months to address the economic and security challenges facing the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Wednesday, Girei said the federal government can recover the huge amount of money that was looted from the national treasury in the last 12 years by setting up an independent judicial panel of inquiry to conduct forensic investigations and prosecute the culprits.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take this bold step as a matter of national emergency, saying it would enable the government to meet the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians and combat the socio-economic problems plaguing the nation.
“I’m calling on Mr. President to set up an independent panel of inquiry to carry out a forensic investigation into the massive theft of our resources in the last 12 years.
“It will enable us to recover a huge amount of money looted. I have no doubt we will be able to recover more than N500 trillion that has been stolen from Nigeria.
“These monies will be more than enough to revamp our economy. I have no doubt Tinubu has the capacity and political will to do that if only Nigerians continue to advise him appropriately,” he said.
Girei also commended Tinubu for listening to the outcries of Nigerians and taking decisive actions to address the burning issues of the country, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the naira, the restructuring of the federation, and the reform of the electoral system.
He said Tinubu has shown that he is a true leader who cares for the welfare and security of the people and called on Nigerians to support him in his efforts to transform the country.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his courage and wisdom in taking some of the most difficult but necessary decisions to move this country forward.
He has demonstrated that he is a listening leader who is responsive to the demands and expectations of the people.
“The President deserves our support and cooperation in his quest to make Nigeria a great nation,” he said.
Girei also presented a 10-point plan to further boost the economy and tackle insecurity, which included the following:
Banning of Bureau de Change markets and the regulation of foreign exchange transactions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the commercial banks.
Establishment of state police and the provision of adequate funding and equipment for the security agencies.
Approval of a supplementary budget of N2 trillion by the National Assembly for the implementation of the state police and the enhancement of the security architecture of the country.
Approval of another supplementary budget of N1 trillion by the National Assembly for the Bank of Agriculture to provide credit facilities to farmers and agro-businesses across the country.
Forensic investigation and recovery of all the funds that have been looted in the last 12 years, especially as it relates to the mismanagement of petroleum subsidies, foreign exchange, tax, VAT, and other revenues accruing to the federation.
prosecution and punishment of all those who have been involved in the looting of the national treasury and the violation of public trust.
Review and revision of the tax system and the elimination of tax waivers and incentives that have been abused by some individuals and corporations.
Diversification of the economy and promotion of non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and ICT.
Creation of an enabling environment for private sector participation and investment in the economy, especially in the areas of infrastructure, power, transportation, and health.
Implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and the adoption of a new constitution that reflects true federalism and the aspirations of the people.
Girei expressed confidence that if these measures were implemented, Nigeria would witness rapid and sustainable economic growth, social stability, and national unity.
He appealed to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political, religious, or ethnic affiliations, to join hands with the president and his administration to achieve the common goal of making Nigeria a prosperous and peaceful country.
