Reactions Trail Buhari’s Reassurance On N-Power Programme

Nigerians, especially those resident in Port Harcourt and environs, have reacted to the promise made by President Muhammadu Buhari to increase the number of beneficiaries of the N-Power programme from 500,000 to one million, saying such is not what is needed to solve unemployment problem in the country.
They said that the president ought to take some decisive steps and actions to create permanent employment for the youths, rather than creating opportunity for politicians to steal money in the name of empowerment.
Reacting to the President’s promise, Mr John Tasie, a ticketing agent at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, said the N-Power programme is selective as it does not cut across the entire states of the federation.
According to him, some states are benefiting more, while others benefit little or nothing.
He pointed out that the promise to increase the number of beneficiaries to one million may end up enriching further the politicians and their relatives.
He, however, called on the president and those in-charge of the project to do a good work by creating a level playing field for ordinary Nigerians that need the empowerment.
For Felix Amarame, a business operator, he said the statement by the president could not hold water until the programme is being implemented, adding that several promises made in the past are yet to be implemented.
“I know that many political office holders have made a lot of money through this N-Power programme. So, the promise to increase the number from 500,000 to one million persons will be to add more money to their pockets, because they will introduce the Nigerian factor by putting fictitious names, and the money goes to them,” he said.
Meanwhile,  Mr Wale Orojo that operates a car hire service said that the N-Power programme has not addressed the unemployment problem in the country.
According to him, government needs to invest on what will give a permanent employment and job security to the people, and not what can stop anytime.

By: Corlins Walter