TheCable

Ismail Adewusi, former postmaster-general of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has asked Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to offer their ideas in developing the country.

Abubakar and Obi were standard bearers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) respectively in the presidential election.

In a statement on Friday, Adewusi, who congratulated Tinubu on the verdict of the supreme court, said those who challenged the president’s election in court has helped to deepen democracy.

He urged them to put personal interests aside and think of the common good of Nigeria.

“In truth, we must commend those who have challenged Asiwaju Tinubu’s victory in court because in a way, they have helped to deepen democracy,” Adewusi said.

“But having explored all constitutional means to upturn the result of the election, it is more patriotic at this time to offer their useful ideas for the good of all us.”

Adewusi said with the hurdles of litigations out of the way, he is confident Tinubu will fully commence the task of economic recovery.

He noted that as an economist, he is not in doubt of Tinubu’ capacity to face the economic challenges.

“There is an antecedent to refer to: Nigerians should not forget that Lagos came out of the very debilitating seizure of its revenue allocations by the federal government at the time to arm-twist our government into abandoning the creation of more council areas in the state,” Adewusi said.

“Rather than submit to dictatorship of the centre, the Tinubu administration went ahead, became more ingenious and before Nigerians knew it, we had surmounted the financial challenges of the time.

“The commendable revenue generation of today in Lagos started from that challenging time when it appeared all hopes were lost.”

Adewusi said the Tinubu administration has “moved courageously” in taking some steps that may seem hard now but would eventually free Nigerians from economic hardship.

“You cannot make an omelette without breaking an egg. There are policies already in place which may seem to be creating burdens for Nigerians now,” he added.

“But these are some of the courageous steps that must be taken to eventually set Nigeria free from economic bondage.

“The reality is that Nigeria had been run under what we call voodoo economic system over the decades; never allowing the economic and market realities to control our spendings and everyone just embarks on jamborees.

“Now is the time to priotise according to economic realities. By the time the gains of the decisions would manifest, Nigerians would realise that for once, they have elected a truly courageous leader.”