Ex-MD Decries Govt’s Involvement In Business

A former Managing Director of Risonpalm Nigeria Ltd, Mr Isaac Okemini, has said that too much government presence in business is a veritable breeding ground for corruption in the country.

Mr Okemini who made the assertion, Wednesday night at the Forum for Economic and Social Transformation organised by the Forum of South South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (FOSSCIMA) also decried the high level of wastage in governance in Nigeria.

Speaking at a dinner organised by a group, Neighbour 2 Neighbour, which is canvassing for support for the election success of President Goodluck Jonathan next month, Okemini regretted that Nigeria has been humbled by political instability, corruption, poor micro-economic management, inadequate infrastructure and dysfunctional education system, among other vices.

In his topic, “Re-engineering Nigeria: President Jonathan’s Option”, Okemini, an accomplished chartered accountant, identified the abandonment of projects by government as the major cause of low level of infrastructural development, saying all Nigerians must contribute toward salvaging the country from its present abysmal level.

He suggested restructuring of the budget content of governments in the country, adding that budgetary allocations must be tied to specific performance indices if the nation must progress.  

Okemini also called for the total deregulation of the oil industry which he described as a cesspool of corruption, saying that the culture of impurity which pervades the polity must be jettisoned while the rule of law must be enthroned to curb lawlessness which according to him, was a recipe for poverty.

He therefore urged government at all levels to reduce their presence in the economic sector in order to reduce corruption, but to concentrate on the social sector particularly in ensuring security of lives and property, adding that the private sector is well positioned to drive the economy through investments that would create jobs for the youths.

Besides, Okemini described President Jonathan as a selfless leader with intellectual depth, adding that Nigeria needs a leader like him at this time of our transition and called on Nigerians to support the transformation of the country which he had begun.

The theme of the Forum for Economic and Social Transformation was “Business, Professionals and the Agenda For Transformation: What Is In It For You.”

The event was chaired by the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.