Nigeria will come out stronger from economic challenges, says Nwobodo

Undisturbed by current economic challenges, former governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, yesterday reviewed the state of the nation, and came out with a verdict that Nigeria will come out a stronger nation.

Nwobodo, who spoke at a reception organised for him by the Bigard Memorial Seminary, a catholic institute for the training of priests, declared that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has made some positive in-roads in their drive to restructure and chart a new course for Nigeria.

The former governor said the change mantra of the present administration has not worked effectively because of the attitude of Nigerians, stressing that certain persons in the country have refused to embrace the idea.

He expressed confidence that things would turn around.“I see a lot of hope. When you call for a change, there are usually people who don’t want it and they would want to resist it.”

However he assured that, “For us, the change will come, but will not be at exactly the moment we want it. It will come in bits. There are challenges facing the government at the moment, but I strongly believe that with the budget now passed, we would see the changes manifesting,” he added.

Referring to the discovering of 23,000 ghost workers in government payroll, which has saved the nation some money, he said he “believes that these changes are bound to bring out pleasant surprises in the future.

While calling on Nigerians for patience, he disclosed that government has been able to save over two billion naira from that exercise and many more. So a lot is happening but requires time.”

Nwobodo, also commented on his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it was based on his conviction that the party has what it takes to move the country forward.

He said as a progressive politician, who had used his position in politics to improve the lives of the masses, he could easily discern the yearnings of the people.

Nwobodo lauded Bigard Seminary and the Catholic Church, which he said had always come to his rescue, each time he was involved in trouble, stressing that his return to the church was designed by God.

Citing one instance, he said, “When we were detained, the highest man in the catholic hierarchy then was Cardinal Okogie. We had information that they attended a meeting where it was discussed how they would deal with those of us alleged to have misused our offices.”

However, he continued, “Someone at the meeting reminded him that Nwobodo was involved in the building of a Library for the Bigard Seminary and also supports the work of the church.”

He narrated that that episode saved him, which explains why he has been a strong supporter of the ministry.Rector of the Seminary, Albert Ikpenwa, said the reception was to honour Nwobodo for his support for the institute, stressing that the St James library, which he built about thirty three years ago, when he was governor, has remained a referral centre to the students and the general public.