By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barr Yakubu Dogara has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pushing for financial autonomy for LGAs as the third tier of governance in the country.
He made the commendation while speaking on Saturday at the 14th Convocation of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state as the Chancellor of the University.
According to him, “With what President Tinubu has done, whether it is the freeing of LGAs from the chokehold of economic stagnation the States had hitherto subjected them to or the groundbreaking bold tax reforms proposals he has placed before the National Assembly, I see a glimmer of hope that we may well be dealing with a leader who is prepared to lead with unbridled courage even at personal cost.”
The former Number 4 citizen of Nigeria added that,”It gladdens my heart that we are now dealing with a leader who is not avoiding stubborn tasks and very much unwilling to put off difficult conversations. With him, courage has become a habit and that habit has the power to transform our leadership as the miracles we are desperately yearning for may well lie in the tasks and difficult conversations we are avoiding.”
On why he is supporting the President Tinubu’s Tax Reforms, he declared that,
“I have said before and let me say it again that I support the President’s tax reforms not because they are perfect, but because it is the right thing to do.”
“However, I must concede the fact that those opposed to it have the right to do so, but, I do not share their jaundiced, nay tenuous and puerile position that because they disagree with some aspects of the reforms, then the reforms must be withdrawn or killed. Leaders who are dedicated to reforms and progress don’t make such poor judgment calls, at all,” he added.
Yakubu Dogara stressed that,”What is acceptable, to my mind, is that all those opposed to the reforms should clearly spell out what they are disagreeing with and make better propositions than that of the President for us to compare and contrast in order to make informed choices.”
He added that,”Even laws are subject to amendment when we discover there are mischiefs embedded in them that must be cured, much less proposals that have not been passed into law.”
According to him, “For me, I did say because so many families are hurting, I do not subscribe to hiking any form of taxes and that the issue of derivation should be clearly spelt out in a manner that would leave no room for prevarication.”
He added that, “I have my proposal in that regard and have no hesitation to stand my ground on any forum. I urge all of us who disagree with any aspect of the proposed reforms to also do so. But to say that our response to a call for long overdue beneficial reforms is that we should do nothing, is either bad politics or share buffoonery or a combination of both.”
He also stated that,”Addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges requires bold, decisive, and coordinated actions across multiple fronts. Achieving this vision will demand sacrifices, accountability, and collective resolve from all Nigerians.”
Yakubu Dogara added that, “Our youths must be at the center of this transformation. Through education, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence, we can build a Nigeria that fulfills the aspirations of its people.”
According to him, “The time for action is now not later or tomorrow, as we have not been promised tomorrow and with determination, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for a brighter future of incredible economic growth and prosperity.”
On the role of Universities, he stated that, “As centers of learning and innovation, universities like ours must play a central role in addressing these challenges. Research and development should focus on practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic problems.”
He stressed that, “Partnerships with industries and government will also ensure that the knowledge generated within our walls has real-world applications. Innovation must be the watchword because in an increasingly competitive world, anyone who out innovates you in any field will out compete you.”
“To our graduating students, I urge you to remain hopeful and resilient. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but you are equipped with the tools to overcome them. You are the leaders of tomorrow, the architects of a better Nigeria,” he advised.
Yakubu Dogara further advised, “Take pride in your achievements and embrace the responsibility that comes with them. The training you have acquired here have given you the license to be traced in life but the future belongs to those of you who will put to work what they have learnt here. You will soon realize that one is not wise because he knows the right things but because he does the right things he knows.”
