SUSAN MONDAY, REPORTING FOR ABUJA BUREAU
President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to use part of the new loan being sourced by his government in fulfilling his 2015 and 2019 campaign promises to the people Niger State.
Speaking to newsmen in Minna, Mohammed Mohammed, North Central Coordinator, of the Coalition of Northern Groups, (CNG) said the best way to lift the vast majority of Nigerians out of poverty and stimulate economic growth is by providing critical infastructure.
Comr. Mohammed, who is also the Chairman, Concerned Nigerlites Forum, called on the Federal Government to consider utilizing part of the expected new loan on pragmatic national infastrucural projects such as the completion of the Lambata-Lapai-Bida Federal road, Suleja-Minna, Mokwa-Birnin Gwari-Kaduna road, Baro Port, and linking Abuja to Minna with the standard gauge rail line among other promises made to Nigerlites.
According to Mohammed, “loans are good provided they are invested on national concerns like roads, power, health and others areas that are challenging to the ongoing efforts at national development”. “Critical projects in Niger State, if completed with such subtle loan under the current request will no doubt have impact on the Nigeria economy for years, and the people will be happy for it”.
While urging the Lawmakers from the state to raise up to the occasion by politiking, Mohammed, however advised the lawmakers to include all federal roads and Baro Port as a priority in the need for this loan. “This will guarantee future repayment”.
He further added that, despite the unseemly attitude of Mr. President and his government to the poor condition of federal roads in the state, the people of the state have continued to support his administration. CNG, therefore, called on the President to ensure that projects with national economic impact of this nature are given priority. It noted that fundamental questions bordering on the increasing need for external loan by the Government with less impact on mega infrastructural development like the ones mentioned above is worrysome.
