From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has traced current economic crisis to what he described as “easy choices made by former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Dogara, who spoke during the child dedication service of a member of the House, Olusegun Odebunmi, held at The Citizens Church (TCC), Abuja, called on Nigerians, especially Christians, to pray for God’s intervention.
He said: “All challenges we are faced with are as a result of our choices. When we had the opportunity to make hard choices, we went for easy ones and that is why we are boxed in a corner.”
Dogara said: “From about $110 per barrel price for crude, we are now averaging about $40 per barrel because of the crisis in the Niger-Delta; we used to earn about $110 on 2.2 million barrels a day.
“Right now, it’s about $40 on about 1.2 million barrels per day. So, you would see now that our national wealth has gone down by as much as 50 percent.
“Unfortunately, when we had those wonderful periods, we did not invest. We did not diversify our economy and so, we are in for a rough ride.
“The roads may not be smooth, but, the truth is that most roads that often lead to wonderful destinations are not smooth.”
Dogara maintained that Christians, no matter the situation, should see reason to celebrate Democracy Day.
He said it is time people turned to God for divine intervention instead of murmuring and lamentation, saying, “with prayer, God can raise men and women of impeccable character who can contribute their quota in national development and transformation.”