Kenneths Ahaneku, Group Managing Director of Neon Holdings, has highlighted debt repayment, food security, foreign exchange stability, security, unity, and judicial reforms as some of the major issues that must dominate the political space in 2023.
Speaking during the PWR Governance Series with a focus on ‘Setting Agenda for 2023’, Mr. Ahaneku explained that beyond mere political campaigns and promises, Nigerians need to ensure that candidates provide specific measures to address some of the challenges that the country is currently facing.
“The first two years’ agenda should be about debt repayment and candidates should explain how such would be met.
“Eliminating the differentials between the official and black market exchange rate is important because the exchange rate situation has made Nigerians poorer,” Ahaneku added.
Regarding food security, Ahaneku mentioned that “COVID-19 exposed the fragility of our economy and food systems. So, in 2023, we want a presidential candidate that would talk to us about policy formulations and how such would enhance food security.”
He also noted that it is important that the 2023 agenda promotes national unity through equal representation of all ethnic groups in national appointments, as well as judicial reforms to address the abnormality in the judicial sector.
The Neon Holdings GMD believes that setting up a National Agenda Committee, like the National Peace Committee, would create a framework and opportunity for Nigerians to hold political office holders accountable to the national agenda.
One of the members of the PWR, Mustapha Abubakar Sadiq, shared that, “as a nation, we need to have a sense of responsibility, and to ensure we bring on board a government that would address our issues as a nation.”
He referenced various development policies that have been set by different administrations in the past, and noted that Nigeria needs to be set up on the right track.
“We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder right now, we need a government that would be keen to address our issues,” he added.
Hon. Toyin Akomolede, Convener of the PWR, and Abraham Maina Joda, Coordinator of the PWR explained that the PWR governance series is meant to engage citizens in governance issues, even beyond the 2023 elections. The virtual meeting was moderated by Tunji Suleiman, a Media professional, and Blessing Oladunjoye of BONews Service.